UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA 
AT    LOS  ANGELES 


ROBERT  ERNEST  COWAN 


THE  CALIFORNIA  HUNDRED: 


BY    J.   HENKY    ROGERS. 


Entered  according  to  act  of  Congress,  A.D.  1865,  by 

TOWITK  &  BACON, 

In  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  United  States  for  the 
Northern  District  of  California. 


.        ,    iTOVNE  A  BAPON, ,,  .        . 

'  I  *   ',  WrflM,    '         -   ,    ' 

686  OtJ  Bim't,  «u>  FitoeUw •' 


PS 


TO    THE 

STATE   OF   CALIFORNIA, 

THIS     POEM 

19  RESPECTFULLY  INSCRIBED, 

BY  THE  AUTHOB- 


286075 


CALIFORNIA 


HfTBODUCTION". 

INE  humble  muse  with  unfledg'd  wing 
w  raise  thy  voice  and  meekly  sing  • 
Strike  the  lone  harp,  whose  untun'd  string 
Hath  made  no  sound  before. 

Nerve  thy  faint  heart  to  sing  one  song, 
To  roll  one  feeble  strain  along, 
Among  the  gifted  ones  that  throng 
Dear  California's  shore. 

Though  meek  and  feeble  be  thy  lay, 
Still  may  thy  fairy  fingers  stray 
Over  thy  harp-strings  for  a  day, 

And  sing  the  Hundred's  praise. 


6  THE    CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED. 

Often  the  song  of  lonely  bird, 
Whose  warbling  is  but  faintly  heard, 
Touches  the  heart  like  gentle  word 
We've  heard  in  other  days. 

If  I  can  make  one  heart  beat  high, 
One  tear-drop  glisten  in  the  eye, 
Or  from  one  bosom  draw  a  sigh, 
I  may  not  sing  in  vain. 

If  my  poor  song  shall  cause  to  wave 
One  blossom  o'er  a  hero's  grave, 
I'll  cherish  long  the  gift  you  gave, 
And  strike  my  lyre  again. 


THE    LANDSCAPE. 
I  . 

THE  morning  sun,  with  roseate  hue 
Had  ting'd  the  distant  mountain's  blue  ; 
Yet  higher,  as  in  space  he  roll'd, 
Tne  Blue  Ridge  peaks  were  bath'd  in  gold  ; 
Yet  higher  still,  the  day-god  wheels 
His  fire-car  through  the  azure  fields, 


THE    CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED.  7 

Till  wood,  and  stream,  and  vale  below, 
Are  bath'd  in  noonday's  burning  glow  : 
But,  where  the  giant  pine  trees  hide 
The  wild-flowers  on  the  mountain  side 
From  distance  seen,  the  unvarying  hue 
Is  one  unbroken  ridge  of  blue. 
From  Blue  Ridge  peaks,  for  many  miles, 
The  landscape  in  the  sunlight  smiles. 
Although  the  frost-king's  blighting  breath 
Hath  lain  the  summer-flowers  in  death ; 
Although  no  fields  of  waving  corn, 
In  emerald  brightness  greet  the  morn, 
And  traveler's  eye  may  seek  in  vain 
The  glittering  sea  of  golden  grain  : 
Still,  old  Virginia's  fields  are  fair, 
Her  sturdy  pine  trees  still  are  there, 
And  smiling  in  the  noonday's  sun 
Is  rippling  many  a  mountain  run. 
Traitors  have  torn  and  scarr'd  her  breast, 
But  still,  the  eagle  's  on  her  nest. 

ii . 

The  war-bird  holds,  with  talons  firm, 
The  land  where  blossom'd  freedom's  germ : 
Mother  of  many  a  patriot  son  ; 
The  land  that  gave  us  Washington ; 


8  THE    CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED. 

Cradle  of  many  a  gifted  mind, 

Whose  names  on  hist'ry's  page  we  find  ; 

Parent  of  chiefs,  of  godlike  mold, 

Whose  thunders  through  the  Senate  roll'd, 

Blasting,  with  Reason's  fiery  flood, 

The  bloom  of  treason  in  its  bud, 

And  from  the  land,  roll'd  back,  afar, 

The  gath'ring  clouds  of  civil  war. 

Those  giant  minds  have  passed  away, 

As  sinks  the  sun  at  close  of  day, 

And  on  Virginia's  bleeding  breast, 

Her  gifted  sons  have  gone  to  rest.  . 

They  did  not  die  :  now  in  the  spheres 

Their  spirit-eyes  are  sad  with  tears, 

And  love  of  country  draws  them  still 

Around  Virginia's  vale  and  hill ; 

And  often  o'er  the  mountain  brow 

Is  seen  their  white  forms  hov'ring  now  ; 

While  soldiers,  in  their  nightly  round, 

Hear  phantom  footsteps  press  the  ground  : 

They  listen  with  attentive  ear, 

And  deem  the  rebels  lurking  near. 

in  . 

And  shall  we  yield  to  Southern  foes 
The  land  whence  Washington  arose  ? 


THE    CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED.  9 

Shall  Treason  rest  its  venorn'd  head 
Beside  Columbia's  honor'd  dead  ? 
Shall  Vernon's  sacred  mount  be  lost, 
And  bright  Potomac's  waves  be  toss'd, 
One-half  upon  a  land  of  slaves 
And  one -half  where  our  banners  waves 

Free,  on  the  Northern  shore  ? 
From.  Northern  hearts  the  answer  comes, 
We  hear  it  in  the  roll  of  drums, 
We  hear  it  in  the  heavy  tramp 
Of  legions  marching  from  the  camp, 

With  cannon's  deadly  roar. 
The  answer  came  ;  our  war-dogs  spoke 
With  breath  of  flame  and  sulph'rous  smoke, 
And  from  the  cannon's  fiery  mouth, 
The  iron  message  travel'd  South, 

One  grand  eternal  No  ! 
No  ;  never  let  Potomac's  wave 
Divide  the  freeman  from  the  slave  : 
Far  better  let  her  waters  glide 
To  ocean  in  a  crimson  tide 

Than  yield  them  to  the  foe. 
We'll  fight  for  ev'ry  grain  of  sand 
That  glistens  in  our  fatherland  ; 
We'll  strike  for  ev'ry  opening  flower 
That  blossoms  in  a  Southern  bower  ; 


10  THE    CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED. 

The  fire-light  of  our  glitt'ring  stars 
Shall  melt  the  captive's  prison-bars, 
And  freedom  give  to  ev'ry  one 
Who  claims  to  be  Columbia's  son. 


THE    GATHERING. 
IV  . 

A  CALL  wenrforth.     From  many  a  hill 

I  hear  the  war-cry  echoing  still — 

A  call  upon  Columbia's  sons 

To  leave  their  homes,  and  seize  their  guns, 

And  hasten  to  Potomac's  shore 

Where  Southern  war-clouds  darkly  low'r. 

There  firmly  stand  by  freedom's  cause, 

And  teach  the  South  respect  for  laws 

Which  she  herself  had  made, 
Ere  Treason  with  its  hydra  head 
Had  laid  each  patriot  feeling  dead, 

Which  once  around  her  play'd. 
With  willing  hearts  and  ready  hands 
The  North  sends  forth  her  warrior  bands  : 
The  schoolman  lays  his  book  aside  ; 
The  new-made  husband  leaves  his  bride  ; 
The  lover  says  a  swift  good-by, 
Nor  stops  the  lov'd  one's  tears  to  dry  ; 


THE    CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED.  11 

The  preacher  leaves  the  prayer  half  said, 
And  buckles  on  his  trusty  blade  ; 
The  statement  robe,  away  he  threw, 
And  donn'd  the  dress  of  Union  blue. 
The  lawyer  now  forgets  his  plea, 
Nor  thinks  again  of  client's  fee  ; 
The  judge  forgets  the  list  of  crime, 
In  listening  to  the  war-note's  chime  ; 
And  bids  the  culprit  use  his  life 
With  honor,  in  the  coming  strife. 
The  poet  spurns  the  gray  goose-quill, 
And  hastens  where  the  yeoman  drill ; 
The  blacksmith  leaves  the  horse  half-shod, 
Old  Erin's  son  throws  down  the  hod  ; 
The  mason  calls  no  more  for  bricks, 
The  railroad  labor'rs  drop  their  picks  ; 
The  driver  of  the  iron  horse 
Reins  up  his  steed  in  middle  course  ; 
And  pleasure-seekers  leave  the  cars, 
To  join  the  gath'ring  ranks  of  Mars. 
The  hardy  yeoman  leaves  his  farm, 
And  bears  for  strife  his  brawny  arm  ; 
And  printers  quickly  quit  their  types, 
To  rally  round  the  stars  and  stripes — 
Leaving  behind  half-finish'd  words, 
They  buckle  on  their  virgin  swords. 


12  THE    CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED. 

The  angler  baits  no  more  his  hook, 
But  leaves  it  dangling  in  the  brook, 
And  hastens  from  its  shady  banks, 
To  join  the  gath'ring  Northern  ranks  ; 
And  half-grown  striplings  leave  their  play, 
To  join  their  brothers  in  the  fray. 
And  brave  old  men,  though  bent  with  years, 
Spring  to  the  call  for  volunteers  ; 
While  sons  aBl  daughters  plead  in  vain, 
For  grandsires,  peaceful,  to  remain. 

v. 

"  You  are  not  strong,"  a  fair  girl  criad  ; 

As  nestling  by  an  old  man's  side, 

She  watched  him  clean  the  rusty  gun, 

His  father  used  at  Lexington  ; 

1 '  You  are  not  strong,  your  locks  are  gray. 

Have  wav'd  on  many  a  wintry  day, 

And  many  a  summer's  burning  sun 

Has  play'd  where  time's  deep  furrows  run. 

We've  younger  men  enough  to  fight, 

And  keep  our  starry  banner  bright  ; 

Then  let  my  grandsire  peaceful  stay, 

Nor  join  in  age  the  bloody  fray." 

The  old  man  laid  his  musket  down  ; 

His  visage  wore  a  passing  frown, 


THE    CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED.  13 

And  knitted  seemed  his  shaggy  brow, 
Where  placid  courage  smiled  but  now. 
And  war  shone  in  his  deep  gray  eye. 
As  rising  tower'd  his  form  on  high, 
And  stretching  forth  his  bony  hand, 
He  grasped  his  father's  rusty  brand, 
Then  flash'd  the  weapon  o'er  his  head, 
He,  turning  to  his  grandchild,  said  : 
"Daughter,  I've  seen  our  banner  wave 
O'er  many  a  loved  one's  lonely  grave  ; 
In  years  gone  by,  my  locks  of  snow 
Ne'er  kept  me  back  from  Mexico  ; 
And  shall  I  now  sit  calmly  by 
And  see  our  eagle  bleeding  lie — 
Here  let  my  sword  in  scabbard  rust 
And  see  our  banner  kiss  the  dust  ? 
My  father  saw  when  first  it  rose 
A  terror  to  our  foreign  foes  ; 
And  often  I  have  heard  him  say  : 
'  My  boy,  there  yet  will  come  a  day 
When  those  bright  stars  will  look  to  you, 
To  keep  them  in  their  ether  blue.' 
That  day  has  come,  and  I  must  go  ; 
I  would  it  were  some  other  foe — 
'Tis  very  hard  for  friendly  years, 
To  sink  at  last  in  blood  and  tears. 


14  THE    CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED. 

By  this  good  sword  my  father  wore, 
I  make  the  oath,  my  father  swore, 
I  sware  by  innocence  and  life, 
To  thrust  me  in  the  coming  strife, 
And  fight  for  ev'ry  silken  curl, 
That  clusters  round  my  bonny  girl. 
Come,  dry  those  tears  ; — a  hero's  child 
Had  look'd  on  war's  grim  face  and  smil'd." 
And  last  and  hardest  yet  to  draw, 
To  swell  the  ranks  of  civil  war, 
The  broker  leaves  his  golden  flocks, 
Nor  notes  the  rise  nor  fall  of  stocks. 
And  thus  they  come  from  vale  and  hill, 
The  Northern  army's  ranks  to  fill  ; 
Each  town  and  village  freely  gave 
Her  sons  to  glory,  or  a  grave. 

THE     MESSAGE. 
VI  . 

As  POWDER  starts  when  touched  by  fire, 
So  flash'd  the  message  o'er  the  wire  ; 
And  thought,  by  mind,  to  lightning  press'd, 
Speeds  onward  to  the  golden  West. 
It  skims  the  peaks  of  mountains  blue, 
Pierces  the  tangled  forest  through  ; 


THE    CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED.  15 

It  leaps  the  river's  tranquil  stream, 
Nor  tarries  for  the  morning's  beam  ; 
It  shoots  the  prairie's  bosom  o'er, 
Nor  pauses  where  the  torrents  roar  • 
It  stops  not  on  the  giddy  ledge 
Of  some  steep  precipice's  edge, 
But  leaps  at  once  the  darksome  glen, 
And  meets  the  sunlight  quick,  and  then 
Speeds  oward  in  its  lofty  flight, 
This  silent  messenger  of  light. 
It  stops  not  in  that  blissful  land, 
Where,  saintly  Mormon  temples  stand  : 
But  o'er  Sierra's  barrier  goes, 
Nor  tarries  where  eternal  snows 
Forever  hold  their  wintry  reign — 
Where  summer's  sunshine  smiles  in  vain  ; 
It  lingers  not  in  silver  land, 
Where  rise  Nevada's  mountains  grand  : 
But  ownward  holds  its  lightning  way, 
O'er  flow'ry  field  and  glittering  bay, 
Through  that  almost  enchanted  land — 
Where  ingots  shine  amongst  the  sand — 
Where  native  diamonds  flash  and  quiver, 
And  stud  the  banks  of  many  a  river  • 
Where  pearls  and  gems,  of  ev'ry  dye, 
Flash  back  their  beauty  to  the  sky — 


16  THE    CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED. 

In  clustering  clouds  of  brightness  lay, 
Uncover'd  in  the  face  of  day  ; 
Where  herds,  upon  a  thousand  hills, 

Are  grazing  in  the  noonday  sun, 
Or,  slake  their  thirst  amongst  the  rills 

That  murin'ring  through  the  valleys  run  ; 
Where  many  miles  of  waving  grain 
Are  ripening  on  the  fertile  plain, 
With  groves  of  oak-trees,  in  between 
The  grain-fields,  and  the  pastures  green  ; 
Where  gardens  bloom  the  whole  year  round, 
And  loaded  fruit-trees  kiss  the  ground ; — 
Here  flows  the  red  juice  from  the  vine, 
As  sweet  as  on  the  banks  of  Rhine  ; 
And  here  the  summer-sunset  dyes 
Are  lovelier  than  Italians  skies  : 
For  ne'er  did  morning  sunbeam  kiss 
A  fairer,  lovlier  land  than  this. 

VII. 

But  my  fleet  messenger  ne'er  stops 
To  view  the  farmer's  ripening  crops, 
Nor  warm  him  in  the  noonday  sun, 
Nor  rest  him  by  the  mountain's  run, 
Nor  yet  beneath  the  live-oak  trees, 
To  catch  the  cooling  western  breeze  ; 


THE    CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED.  17 

But  swift  and  silent  o'er  the  wire, 
Speeds  on  the  messenger  of  fire, 
To  where  Pacific's  waves  of  blue 
The  Grolden  Gate  are  rolling  through — 
And  San  Francisco's  hills  of  brown, 
Upon  the  city's  streets  look  down — 
And  mirror'd  in  her  silver  bay, 
The  hills,  the  town,  and  shipping  lay. 
This  carrier  needs  no  opening  door, 
Nor  sounding  footstep  strikes  the  floor  ; 
The  keenest  eye  would  fail  to  view 
The  opening  which  he  presses  through. 
Herald  unseen,  thy  task  is  done  ! 
From  here  the  wires  no  further  run. 

VIII. 

A  few  sharp  raps  are  only  heard — 
The  messenger  ne'er  spoke  a  word  ; 
But  well  the  operator  knew 
A  telegram  was  coming  through  ; 
For  he  had  watch'd.  for  many  a  day, 
Along  the  wire  the  lightning's  play, 
With  ear  alert  and  mind  intent, 
And  eye  fix'd  on  the  instrument ; 
And  well  he  knew  the  klicking  sound, 
In  which  the  telegram  is  found. 


18  THE    CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED. 

Often  to  him  those  rappings  bore 

Tidings  from  many  a  distant  shore. 

It's  curious  stories  sometimes  told 

Of  lands  and  people  bought  and  sold. 

It  said,  with  curses  deep  and  low, 

That  torn  and  bleeding  Mexico, 

Had  foreign  tyrants  on  her  thrust, 

Who  trail'd  her  banner  in  the  dust ; 

It  told  of  Erin's  hungry  howl, 

Of  British  statesmen's  sullen  growl — 

Of  premiers  borne  back  to  the  wall 

With  cries  of  "  cotton,"  over  all ; 

How  sweet  Eugenia  curls  her  hair, 

And  fawns  upon  the  Russian  Bear  ; 

Of  Rome's  disease,  whose  only  hope 

Is  bayonets  for  the  Pious  Pope  ; 

Of  trade  and  commerce,  gold  and  stocks, 

How  banks  withstood  the  panic  shocks  ; 

And  fashions  o'er  the  wires  are  whirl'd, 

And  late  news  from  the  sporting  world. 

And  loving  words,  there  sometimes  come, 

With  dying  messages  to  some  ; 

And  blossoms,  from  the  threshold  tree, 

The  lightning  often  brings  to  me  ; 

And  softly  o'er  the  iron  rods, 

Come  whisperings  of  our  household  gods. 


THE    CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED.  19 


IX. 

But  now  a  different  message  comes  ; 

It  strikes  the  operator's  ear 
Like  sudden  shock  of  bursting  bombs, 

Or  thunder  when  the  sky  is  clear. 
It  said,  our  brethren  of  the  South 

Had  trampled  on  the  stripes  and  stars  ; 
Had  now  proclaimed  from  cannon's  mouth, 

The  advent  of  the  triple  bars. 
How  South  Carolina's  wav'ring  star 

Was  gone  from  freedom's  Northern  skies, 
And  spreading  southward  fast  and  far, 

The  withering  fire  of  treason  flies  ; 
How  traitors  send  their  delegates 
Throughout  the  neighb'ring  cotton  States, 
And  bid  them  in  rebellion  rise, 
And  echo  Slavery  to  the  skies  ; 
To  join  the  Golden  Circle's  ring, 
And  teach  the  North  that  "  Cotton's  king." 
To  keep  the  bloody  oath  they  swore, 

When  o'er  the  North  they  could  not  rule, 
To  drown  their  country's  flag  in  gore, 

And  quench  the  stars  in  treason's  pool. 
For  they  had  sworn,  for  many  years, 
To  sink  the  land  in  blood  and  tears, 
Ere  Slavery  oe'r  the  Southern  plains 


20  THE    CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED. 

Should  cease  the  music  of  her  chains. 
There's  naught  but  shackles  for  the  slave  ; 
No  freedom,  only  in  the  grave. 

x. 

The  rebel  call  from  mouth  to  mouth, 

Flies  swiftly  o'er  the  sunny  South, 

And  gathering  fast  the  rebel  crew, 

In  Freedom's  face  their  banner  threw, 

And  dared  the  Northern  sons  of  toil, 

To  meet  them  on  their  sacred  soil. 

The  message  told  how  Sumter's  walls 

Were  shattered  by  the  rebel  balls  j 

How  that  small  band  of  Northern  men, 

Fought  there  like  lions  in  their  den. 

Each  man  stood  bravely  by  his  gun, 

Watching  the  hero  Anderson. 

As  rock  resists  the  ocean  wave, 

That  hero  back  defiance  gave  ; 

In  answer  to  the  threats  of  Bragg, 

He  pointed  to  his  country's  flag 

And  said :  "  Those  glitt'ring  stars  will  shine, 

In  peace  or  war,  o'er  me  and  mine  ; 

They  fall  not  in  a  land  of  slaves, 

Till  my  few  men  are  in  their  graves. 

They  had  withstood  for  many  an  hour, 

That  little  band  the  murderous  shower 


THE    CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED.  21 

Of  shot  and  shell  at  Sumter  thrown  ; 

Till  food  and  powder  scarce  had  grown, 

And  many  a  rent  the  iron  balls 

Had  made  in  Sumter's  tottering  walls. 

Thousands  to  one  throughout  the  fray, 

That  little  band  had  held  at  bay  ; 

Till  hunger,  with  his  iron  maw, 

On  their  weak  forms  began  to  gnaw, 

And  gathering  rebels  faster  came, 

Wrapping  the  ruined  walls  in  flame  ; 

And  utmost  effort  scarce  could  screen 

From  gathering  flames  their  magazine. 

There,  wornout  men,  thro'  blood  and  mire, 

With  desperate  courage  fought  the  fire. 

But  man's  endurance  ends  at  last ; 

Yet  e're  they  from  the  fortress  pass'd 

They  stipulated  with  the  foe, 

That  they  should  forth  with  honor  go, 

Bearing  with  them  their  flag  and  arms 

Far  from  the  treacherous  land  of  palms, 

And  unmolested  wend  their  way 

Northward,  beyond  where  traitors  lay 

Like  serpents,  'mongst  the  blooming  flow'rs, 

To  sting  in  unsuspecting  hours. 

The  terms  are  made,  and  forth  they  go, 

Turning  their  proud  glance  on  the  foe  ; 


22  THE    CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED. 

One  last  look  at  the  ruin  take, 
Then  from  their  feet  the  dust  they  shake  ; 
Flinging  their  banner  to  the  wind, 
They  leave  the  vipers'  nest  behind. 

XL 

And  now  the  lightning's  task  is  done, 

The  startling  message  written  down, 

And  warlike  posters  many  a  one 

Are  scatter'd  through  th'  excited  town. 

Then  groups  of  earnest  men  are  seen, 

"With  eager  list'ners  in  between, 

In  public  places  of  resort, 

With  utt'rance  quick  and  breathings  short, 

Discussing  the  late  Eastern  news. 

Many  and  various  were  the  views 

Presented  by  this  civil  strife  ; 

It  shadow'd  ev'ry  walk  in  life  : 

And  many  a  face  which  yesterday 

Look'd  smiling  as  the  bloom  of  May, 

Was  now  with  sorrow  clouded  o'er, 

While  others  indignation  wore  ; 

The  timid  shook  with  sudden  fear, 

The  news  of  civil  war  to  hear ; 

While  others  show'd  in  ev'ry  glance 

The  patriot  war-fires  flash  and  dance  ; 


THE    CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED.  23 

And  wanderers  from  the  sunny  South 
Treason  proclaimed  with  open  mouth  ; 
And  many  a  one  with  breath  of  fire, 
On  Southern  traitors  hurl'd  their  ire  ; 
Others  were  happy  far  away 
From  civil  strife  and  bloody  fray  ; 
They  bless'd  the  land,  that  intervenes 
Between  them  and  war's  bloody  scenes. 
Some  hearts  could  not  stand  tamely  by, 
And  hear  the  Eastern  battle-cry, 
Nor  listen  to  the  Southern  sneers, 
Which  daily  fell  on  patriots'  ears. 
They  could  not  see  our  glitt'ring  stars 
O'ershadowed  by  the  triple  bars  ; 
Nor  see  our  eagle  fold  his  wings 
While  Southern  raven  hoarsely  sings. 

XII  . 

First  for  his  country,  in  her  need 

For  volunteers,  was  SEWELL  REED. 

Long  had  he  watched  with  heart  of  flame, 

The  South  traduce  Columbia's  name  : 

Boasting,  that  Northern  sons  of  toil, 

Should  ne'er  profane  their  sacred  soil ; 

That  five  to  one,  on  flood  or  field, 

To  Southern  blood  the  North  must  yield. 


24  THE    CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED. 

No  special  call  to  him  was  made, 
Ere  he  would  draw  his  battle-blade  : 
The  news  had  scarcely  left  the  wire, 
Ere  his  heart  burn'd  with  patriot  fire. 
Not  as  light  flames;  that  die  away, 
Like  bonfires  on  a  festal  day : 
Nor  yet  the  sunbeam's  flick'ring  light 
That  fades  before  the  coming  night, 
Leaving  no  ling'ring  ray  to  burn, 
That  tells  us  of  his  quick  return. 
The  fire  which  burn'd  in  SEWELL  REED, 
Was  like  the  floods  of  Etna  freed  ; 
Or  like  Vesuvius'  grander  mount, 

"When  heat  her  bosom  rends  asunder, 
And  rolling  from  the  burning  fount 

A  fiery  flood  the  land  sinks  under. 
Then  California's  flowery  land, 
Offer'd  the  East  her  golden  hand  ; 
Then  in  Columbia's  lap  she  pour'd 
To  aid  the  war,  a  glitt'ring  hoard ; 
She  open'd  wide  her  silver  vest, 
And  flowing  freely  from  the  "West, 
A  glitt'ring  shower  of  silver  rain, 
Made  music  for  the  long  campaign. 
Her  golden  flocks  were  quickly  shorn, 
She  clipp'd  them  close  from  tail  to  horn, 


THE     CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED.  25 

With  glitt'ring  weapons  fought  for  peace, 
And  sent  the  East  a  golden  fleece. 


THE     ECHO. 
XIII. 

THEN  bright  Pacific's  western  wave, 
To  Maine's  bleak  coast  an  answer  gave  : 
And  rolling  eastward  o'er  each  State, 
Went  echoes  from  the  Golden  Grate  ; 
Telling  our  friends,  that  in  our  mind 
Still  lives  the  homes  we  left  behind. 
That  clust'ring  round  our  heart-strings  still 
The  mem'ries  of  each  vale  and  hill  ; 
Fancy  oft  turns  her  moist  eye  back, 
O'er  life's  long,  weary,  dusty  track, 
And  lingers,  with  a  mournful  gaze, 
On  blighted  flowers  of  other  days  ; 

And  wither'd  hopes  of  by-gone  years 
Are  seen,  far  down  the  stream  of  time  ; 

Sleeping  upon  their  sable  biers, 
While  bells  of  mem'ry  sadly  chime  ; 
Yet  o'er  that  melancholy  way. 
Which  points  to  childhood's  happy  day, 
Some  flow'rs  we  lov'd  are  still  in  bloom, 
Some  golden  sunbeams  gild  the  gloom  ; 


26  THE    CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED. 

And,  mingling  with  life's  chilly  blast, 
Come  gentle  zephyrs  of  the  past, 
Bearing  us  on  their  airy  wings 
Back,  where  the  heart  in  rapture  springs 
To  view  each  well-remembered  spot, 
The  cool  green  wood,  and  shady  grot. 
The  clover-fields  are  blooming  still, 
Beyond  the  brook,  where  stands  the  mill, 
The  green  hills  in  the  sunlight  sleep, 
Their  sides  are  dotted  white  with  sheep  ; 
I  hear  the  pet  cow's  tinkling  bell, 
Sound  faintly  up  the  rocky  dell, 
While  following  close,  a  gentle  train 
Is  homeward,  wending  from  the  plain. 
And  e'er  by  strong  remembrance  strung, 
Oft  hears  the  strain  the  cow-boy  sung. 
The  Indian  corn,  its  silken  hair 
Of  green  and  gold  waves  on  the  air. ; 
While  softly  o'er  the  senses  come 
From  meadow-flow'rs  the  wild  bee's  hum  ; 
The  rough  stone-wall,  the  bars  half  down, 
The  dear  old  barn,  of  dingy  brown, 
And  double  doors  with  noisy  swing, 
The  wooden  latch  and  leather  string, 
The  thrashing-floor,  and  mow  of  hay, 
Appear  as  fresh  as  yesterday. 


THE    CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED.  27 

Behind  the  barn,  my  fond  eye  sees 
The  apple-orchard's  loaded  trees, 
A  generous  store  the  branches  hold 
Of  red  and  russet,  green  and  gold. 
I  turn  my  footsteps  back  again  - 
Once  more,  alftng  the  winding  lane, 
Which  leads  me  by  the  mossy  bank, 
Where,  at  the  spring,  the  cattle  drank, 
Where  oft,  beneath  the  elm-tree's  shade, 
The  long,  long  summer  days  I've  play'd. 
Here,  gently  rising  from  the  spring, 
The  path  the  wanderer's  footsteps  bring, 
Close  by  where  many  a  scented  herb, 
Clings  fondly  round  the  old  well- curb  ; 
The  pole  hangs  in  the  forked  tree, 
Its  music  sounds  the  same  to  me  ; 
It  has  the  same  old  creaking  tone, 
As  though  no  long,  long  years  had  flown. 
The  oaken  bucket's  mossy  side 
Still  dashes  in  the  crystal  tide  ; 
And,  gingling  in  the  summer  air, 
The  same  old  chain  still  swings  it  there. 
Still  further  on,  beyond  the  well, 
Oh !  how  the  waters  rise  and  swell, 
And  beat  against  my  bosom  now, 
As  standing  on  the  hill's  green  brow, 


28  THE    CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED. 

I  see  the  pale  old  poplars  rise 
Once  more  before  my  longing  eyes  ; 
The  velvet  lawn,  and  shell- walk  wide, 
With  rows  of  box-trees  either  side  ; 
The  lattice-bower  is  standing  still, 
Where  sung  whilom  the  whipporwil ; 
And  tendrils  of  the  creeping  vines 
Its  slender  frame- work  still  entwines. 
Each  vine-flow'r  speaks  a  young  heart-story 
Then  fades  like  our  youth's  morning-glory. 
With  lightsome  step  I  cross  the  lawn, 
I  pass  the  hedge  of  flow'ring  thorn, 
My  heart  beats  high  with  hope  elate  : 
My  hand  is  on  the  garden-gate, 
I  swing  it  back  against  the  pickets 
Where  currant-bushes  grow  in  thickets  ; 
Where  rows  of  sun-flow'rs  hang  their  heads, 
Smiling  o'er  the  violet-beds  ; 
And  variegated  hollyhocks, 
Are  blooming  'mongst  the  four-o'clocks. 

XIV. 

I  hear  the  balmy  summer  breeze, 
Sing  softly  through  the  locust  trees, 
And  sounds  which  have  been  lost  for  years, 
Flow  sweetly  back  upon  mine  ears. 


THE    CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED.  29 

Each  scene,  or  sound,  once  dear  to  me, 
With  Fancy's  vivid  eye  I  see, 
And  sleeping  'mongst  the  climbing  roses, 
The  dear  old  homestead  still  reposes. 
The  rough  stone  chimney's  smoky  head 
Breathes  high  above  the  shingles  red, 
The  pointed  gable's  dark  brown  side 
And  low  porch  which  the  roses  hide, 
The  entrance-hall,  and  white-ash  floor, 
And  old  dog  sleeping  by  the  door  ; 
And  further  on,  the  eating-room, 
Where  gather'd  master,  maid,  and  groom  ; 
With  simple  fare  the  board  is  spread 
With  home-cur'd  meat  and  rich  brown  bread ; 
While  sparkling  cider  freely  flow'd, 
And  brown-bak'd  apples  brightly  glow'd. 
There  peaceful  Plenty  fills  her  horn, 
From  dewy  eve  till  rosy  morn, 
And  over  all  her  gifts  are  pour'd, 
For  all  sit  equal  at  the  board. 
Years  have  roll'd  down  the  dusky  past, 
Since  I  have  look'd  on  earth  my  last 
Fond  look,  on  forms  that  molder  now, 
Beneath  the  weeping-willow's  bough. 
A  few  steps  from  the  old  play-gound 
Rises  a  little  grassy  mound, 


30  THE    CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED. 

Where  from  the  flow'rs  a  small  stone  peeps 

Which  says,  "Here  gentle  Emma  sleeps." 

I  see  no  more,  the  vision  fades, 

While  back  through  tears  my  fancy  wades  ; 

Quench'd  is  the  sunbeam's  golden  line, 

That  glimmer'd  down  the  sea  of  time, 

And  memory's  light  of  other  days, 

No  more  around  my  visage  plays  ; 

Fond  Fancy  folds  her  golden  wings, 

And  leaves  me  but  the  soul  of  things." 

Thus,  to  himself,  my  hero  spoke. 

When  war's  wild  message  o'er  him  broke  ; 

Borne  on  the  Northern  bugle  blast, 

Came  rushing  memories  of  the  past, 

Bidding  his  warlike  spirit  come, 

And  battle  for  his  dear  old  home  ; 

For  years,  before  his  rosy  cheek 

Was  grac'd  by  manhood's  downy  streak, 

Adventurous  spirit  bade  him  roam, 

And  seek  himself  another  home. 

Here  had  he  dwelt,  in  peaceful  years, 

Till  civil  war  burst  on  his  ears  ; 

He  heard  its  thunders  roll  and  roar, 

Along  the  blue  Potomac's  shore. 

He  saw  his  young  companions  go 

From  his  old  home  to  meet  the  foe  ; 


THE    CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED.  31 

His  mind's  eye  saw  his  gray-hair 'd  sire, 

Too  old  to  fight,  yet  full  of  fire, 

He  thinks  he  hears  the  old  man  say  : 

"Ah !  if  my  boy  was  not  away, 

War's  thunder-tones  which  reach  me  here, 

Would  be  but  music  to  mine  ear. 

I  then,  at  least,  would  have  one  gun, 

To  flash  for  freedom  in  the  sun  ; 

And  in  my  boy,  on  glory's  plain, 

Would  live  my  manhood  o'er  again." 

THE     DEPARTURE, 
XV. 

THEN  gentler  feelings  quickly  .rise, 

While  all  his  soul  speaks  in  his  eyes  ; 

For  near,  his  young  wife  play'd  and  smiFd, 

Tossing  in  air  their  only  child  ; 

And  mild-ey'd  Peace  was  shining  there, 

In  every  ringlet  of  her  hair. 

How  could  he,  with  unfalt'ring  voice, 

Make  known  to  her  his  bloody  choice  ? 

How  could  he  leave  his  blooming  bride, 

And  young  boy  nestling  by  her  side  ; 

To  seek,  on  glory's  bloody  field, 

The  fame  which  Truth  and  Valor  yield  ? 


32  THE     CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED. 

The  hour  has  come  ; — with  purpose  high, 
His  warlike  soul  hath  cast  the  die  ; 
All  dear  to  him  is  in  the  stake, 
His  country  calls ;  though  heartstrings  break 
And  all  is  lost  the  heart  holds  dear, 
Brave  SEWELL  REED  will  volunteer. 
His  soul,  fix'd  firm  in  Freedom's  cause, 
He  to  his  side  the  lov'd  one  draws, 
Folded  her  slight  form  to  his  breast, 
Fondly  her  flowing  ringlets  press'd  ; 
Then  on  her  cheek  a  fond  kiss  laid, 
Where  smiles  amongst  the  dimples  play'd  ; 
He  said,  in  low  and  steady  tone, 
While  deep  love  in  his  blue  eye  shone  : 
"  Dear  heart,  when  one  more  little  day 
Hath  roll'd  its  golden  hours  away, 
The  ocean's  wild  swift  rolling  waves 
Will  bear  me  and  my  Hundred  braves 
Far  on  the  road  to  glory's  plain. 
If  I  should  ne'er  return  again — 
If,  in  the  coming  battle's  shock, 
Where  closing  legions  reel  and  rock 
And  shiver  in  war's  deadly  gale, 
Like  broken  fragments  of  a  sail 
From  lone  bark  riv'n,  as  o'er  the  main 
She  flies  before  the  hurricane  ; — 


THE     CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED.  33 

If  I  sink  in  this  sea  of  slaughter, 
Remember,  thou'rt  Columbia's  daughter. 
Grieve  not  for  me,  if  my  form  lies 
Bleaching  beneath  the  Southern  skies  ; 
My  head  will  rest  as  peaceful  there, 
As  though  encased  in  rosewood  rare  ; 
Or  some  dear  comrade  there  may  close 
My  eyelids  in  their  last  repose — 
May  raise  o'er  me  a  little  mound, 
And  plant  a  rose-tree  in  the  ground, 
Whose  flowers  in  blushing  sweetness  fling 
Their  fragrance  on  the  breath  of  spring, 
Then  breezes  from  the  bloody  plain 
Shall  waft  my  essence  home  again  ; 
And  sighing  through  the  lone  rose-tree, 
Will  bear  its  sweetness  back  to  thee. 
I  may  not  fall,  but  if  I  must, 
So  sure  as  dust  returns  to  dust, 
Will  my  soul's  unextinguish'd  flame 
Flow  to  the  source  from  whence  it  came. 
Then  often,  from  my  ether  home, 
Will  my  free  spirit  gladly  roam  ; 
My  soul  will  watch  with  love  sublime 
Thy  wand'rings  down  the  stream  of  time, 
Until  thy  footsteps  gently  glide 
Into  death's  silent,  shoreless  tide." 


34  THE    CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED. 

XVI. 

The  roses  fled,  her  cheeks  grew  pale, 

Her  small  lips  quiver'd  at  the  tale  ;     . 

A  moment  ceas'd  the  throbbing  heart — 

Life's  crimson  current  would  not  start. 

She  stood  as  though  the  chilling  breath 

From  pestilential  fields  of  death, 

Had  swiftly  o'er  her  being  past, 

Freezing  her  spirit  in  the  blast. 

'Twas  but  a  moment's  thrill  of  pain, 

Which  numb'd  the  sense  and  chill'd  the  brain. 

It  came,  and  pass'd  as  quickly  by 

As  wat'ry  cloud  in  April  sky. 

Then  her  bright  smile  flow'd  back  again, 

Like  sunshine  through  the  summer  rain. 

She  rais'd  her  glance  to  meet  his  own, 

Then  in  a  clear  and  steady  tone, 

She  answer'd  :  "I  have  pledg'd  my  faith, 

Through  good  or  ill,  wo,  want,  or  death, 

To  leave  thee  never — ne'er  to  stray 

One  footstep  from  thy  path  away. 

Shall  J  rest  in  some  quiet  spot, 

While  thy  dear  form  must  front  the  shot? 

No,  SEWELL,  no  ;  I  cannot  stay — 

My  heart  would  wear  itself  away 


THE    CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED.  35 

In  useless  throbs  against  my  breast. 
When  thou'rt  away,  a  wild  unrest 
Ever  pervades  my  sinking  soul, 
While  through  my  veins  life's  currents  roll 
Sluggish  and  dull ; — the  fire  seems  gone 
That  urged  the  throbbing  pulses  on. 
But  near  to  thee,  my  heart  grows  strong, 
Its  promptings  never  urge  me  wrong  ; 
And  now  it  speaks  in  love's  strong  tone — 
Dear  SEWELL,  leave  me  not  alone ! 
Fear  not  for  me  ; — this  fragile  form 
Shall  bravely  face  the  coming  storm  ; 
With  thee  I'll  breast  the  ocean  waves, 
I'll  cheer  thee  when  the  tempest  raves  ; 
I'll  safely  cross  the  neck  of  land 
Where  graves  are  seen,  on  either  hand, 
As  thick. as  hillocks  on  the  plain, 
When  farmer  plants  the  yellow  grain  ; 
And  flying  o'er  the  iron  trail, 
Forget  that  death  rides  on  the  gale, 
Until  behind  is  left  afar, 
The  sickly  shores  of  Panama. 
Let  me  be  near  thee  evermore, 
On  flood  or  field,  or  when  the  roar 
Of  war,  in  all  its  dread  array, 
Shall  surge  around  thee  ev'ry  day  ; 


36  THE     CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED. 

While  death-shots  rattle  o'er  the  plain, 
Like  frozen  show'r  of  wintry  rain. 
Ill  watch  then,  my  soul's  beacon  light, 
And  cheer  thee  in  the  changing  fight ; 
Then,  when  the  doubtful  day  is  o'er, 
When  clash  of  arms  is  heard  no  more, 
With  steady  step  I'll  quickly  tread. 
Where  lie  the  dying  and  the  dead. 
Passing  amongst  the  heaps  of  slain, 
That  fester  on  the  gory  plain, 
Fearless,  I'll  ford  the  bloody  tide, 
And  nestle  by  my  hero's  side. 
If  wounded,  my  cheek  will  not  pale  ; 
I'll  spread  thy  brown  locks  to  the  gale, 
I'll  gently  fan  thine  aching  brow — 
Smiling  as  calmly  then  as  now. 
Nor  friends,  nor  wealth,  nor  ease  for  me, 
I'll  leave  them  all  to  follow  thee  ; 
Nor  shall  grim  war  with  deadly  blast, 
One  shadow  o'er  love's  sunshine  cast. 
Its  thunder  o'er  our  heads  may  burst, 
It  cannot  part  us  do  its  worst ; 
Some  sad  fate  may  my  heartstrings  sever, 
But  while  I  live,  I'll  leave  thee — never." 


THE     CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED.  37 


XVII. 

With  swelling  heart,  he  heard  her  through, 
Then  closer  to  his  bosom  drew ; 
Rested  his  strong  hand  on  her  head, 
Then  to  his  young  wife  smiling  said : 
"  Dear  one,  I've  gathered  from  our  land 
To  go  with  me,  a  gallant  band. 
Thousands  stood  forth,  at  my  request, 
To  represent  the  golden  West ; 
But  from  each  thousand  warlike  men, 
My  limit  was  to  choose  but  ten. 
Ten  thousand  sinewy  warriors  came, 
With  nerves  of  steel  and  hearts  of  flame  ; 
And  from  their  sturdy  ranks  I  took 
One  hundred  men, — each  had  a  look 
Of  desp'rate  courage  in  his  eyes  ; 
There  were  no  two  alike  in  size — 
For  tall  or  short,  broad,  thick  or  thin, 
Where  courage  show'd  they  muster'd  in — 
And  all  which  shows  a  sameness  there, 
His  will  to  do  and  soul  to  dare  : 
They  were  not  measured  by  their  inches, 
But  by  the  nerve  that  never  flinches. 
And  from  such  desp'rate  men  as  those, 
The  California  Hundred  rose  : 


38  THE     CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED. 

Each  single  warrior  seems  to  stand  ^ 
Himself  a  host  to  guard  his  land. 
Now,  near  the  city's  southern  side, 
Our  gallant  ship  rocks  on  the  tide  ; 
And  hard  by  Rincon's  frowning  hill 
My  merry  men  may  rest,  until 
The  earth  rolls  back  the  shades  of  night, 
And  ushers  in  the  morning  light ; 
Then,  with  the  beams  of  early  day, 
We  sail,  for  glory's  field,  away. 
Dear  one,  my  muster  roll  is  full, 
Yet  something  at  my  heartstrings  pull — 
A  new  recruit  is  speaking  now, 
With  laughing  eye  and  sunny  brow  ; 
She  whispers  in  my  listening  ear  : 
1  Come,  take  one  female  volunteer !' 

XVIII. 

"  'Tis  well,  I'll  keep  thee  by  my  side, 
With  my  brave  Hundred  thou  shalt  ride  ; 
For  woman's  smile  will  chase  away 
The  clouds  from  many  a  stormy  day  : 
Her  angel  presence  shining  where 
Dun  war-clouds  fill  the  heavy  air. 
There's  nought  a  warrior  would  not  brave- 
He  wins  for  her  or  finds  a  grave. 


THE     CALIFORNIA     HUNDRED. 

Or  while  we  rest  in  lonely  camp.   . 
When  ev'ning  dews  are  chill  and  damp, 
We'll  gather  round  the  red  watch-fire, 
Then  thou  wilt  softly  touch  thy  lyre, 
Pouring  thy  sweet  song  on  the  breeze  ; 
Then,  high  amongst  the  grand  old  trees, 
Will  my  brave  Hundred's  chorus  ring, 
As  songs  of  dear  old  home  we  sing. 
And  now  to  sleep,  fast  wanes  the  night, 
We  start  with  early  morning's  light." 

XIX. 

Night's  solemn  shades  have  roll'd  away, 
From  hill  and  valley,  creek  and  bay  ; 
And  o'er  the  landscape's  foliage  green, 
Is  cast  the  daylight's  silver  sheen. 
Eastward,  their  round  heads  rising  high 
In  bold  relief  against  the  sky, 
Old  Contra  Costa's  mountain  fringe 
Is  wove  of  sunlight's  rosy  tinge. 
But  e'er  the  lesser  hills  may  claim 
A  spark  from  day's  advancing  flame, 
"  Diablo  V  grander  mountain  takes 
The  first  beam  as  the  morning  breaks  ; 
While  all  beneath  in  shadows  lie, 
His  head  shines  in  a  golden  sky  ; 


40  THE     CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED. 

Proudly  he  rears  his  frowning  head, 
High  in  the  valley's  lonely  bed  ; 
And  while  the  morning  sunbeams  play 
Around  his  rocks  of  iron-gray, 
.A  mellow  light  the  mount  enshrouds, 
Like  landscape  hung  amongst  the  clouds — • 
A  fairy  spectacle  it  seems, 
Like  what  we  often  see  in  dreams. 
Then  down  Diablo 's  shaggy  sides, 
Time  in  his  golden  chariot  rides  ; 
His  courser  hours  fly  o'er  the  plain, 
While  minute  drivers  hold  the  rein, 
And  seconds  ply  the  timely  whip, 
And  first  before  the  minutes  skip  ; 
Westward  the  coursers  hold  their  way, 
And  swiftly  roll  the  wheels  of  day. 

xx. 

My  muse  hath  slumber 'd  all  too  long, 
Among  the  sunlight  with  her  song  ; 
Too  long  she  dallies  with  the  flowers 
That  bloom  in  California's  bowers. 
But  farewell  has  a  solemn  sound, 
Which  time  nor  distance  ne'er  can  drown  ; 
And  loath  is  she  to  say  good-by, 
To  golden  land  and  azure  sky. 


THE    CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED.  41 

But  time  rolls  on,  tides  will  not  wait, 
Wide  open  stands  the  Golden  Gate  ; 
And  westward,  down  the  glittering  bay, 
A  floating  palace  holds  her  way  ; 
Swiftly  she  cleaves  the  yielding  tide, 
Scatters  the  white  foam  from  her  side, 
While  from  her  mast,  in  ample  fold. 
Our  brave  old  banner  is  unroll'd  ; 
And  on  her  decks  a  gallant  band 
Plays  "  Hail  Columbia,  happy  land !" 
A  thousand  voices  join  the  song, 
Rolling  the  grand  old  notes  along  ; 
Till  from  the  hills,  on  either  side, 
Ring  back  the  echoes  o'er  the  tide. 
Then  other  thousands,  on  the  land, 
Cheer  loudly  the  departing  band  ; 
While  on  the  air  the  shout  arose  : 
"  There  California's  Hundred  goes !" 
"  Good  speed,"  rang  in  each  wild  hurrah, 
tl  Good  speed  the  Hundred  in  the  war." 
The  band  now  plays  another  strain, 
Its  music  comes  like  summer  rain  ; 
It  sends  a  thrill  through  every  soul, 
As  on  the  stately  numbers  roll. 
The  hardy  bosom's  heavy  sigh, 
And  tear-drop  seen  in  manly  eye. 


42  THE    CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED. 

Speak  plainer  far  than  words  can  tell, 
How  sad  the  Hundred's  long  farewell. 
Now  fainter  sounds  the  parting  lay, 
Its  fading  music  seems  to  say  : 
"  Good-by  dear  land  of  gold  and  flowers, 
Of  cle.ar  blue  sky  and  sunny  hours, 
Yainly  we'll  search  earth's  broad  domain, 
We'll  look  not  on  thy  like  again. 
And  never,  on  the  Hundred's  eyes, 
Will  such  a  glorious  morning  rise." 
The  last  sound  on  the  ear  that  fell, 
As  that  brave  Hundred  said  farewell, 
Came  with  the  music's  dying  notes 
And  eastward  on  a  zephyr  floats, 
Like  Sorrow's  melancholy  sigh : 
It  was  a  female  heart's  good-by  ; 
Her  eye's  dark  fringe  was  bath'd  in  dew, 
Back  on  the  breeze  a  kiss  she  threw, 
Which,  falling  gently  from  her  hand, 
Found  resting-place  upon  the  land  ; 
And  ever  after,  in  the  spring, 
When  sunshine  forth  the  flowers  bring, 
Near  old  "  Point  Lobos'  "  rocky  dell, 
Where  her  departing  kisses  fell, 
Still  blooming  in  a  lonely  spot, 
Is  found  one  wild  For-get-me-not. 


THE    CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED.  43 

THE     REVIEW. 
XXI  . 

MY  muse  hath  wander'd  far  away 
From  where  she  struck  her  op'ning  lay  ; 
But  now,  she  eastward  turns  once  more, 
To  sing  along  Potomac's  shore  ; 
And  o'er  Virginia's  bleeding  plain, 
She  feebly  rolls  her  humble  strain. 
Days  have  roll'd  on  since  civil  strife 
Had  grappled  with  the  Nation's  life, 
While  bloody  suns  had  rose  and  set, 
On  desp'rate  fields,  with  slaughter  wet : 
And  war  had  fearful  havoc  made, 
O'er  fertile  field  and  sunny  glade  ; 
And  homes,  which  once  a  welcome  gave, 

To  every  stranger  passing  by, 
Their  lords  now  fill  a  bloody  grave, 

While  those  bright  homes  in  ashes  lie. 
Far  different  looks  the  landscape  now, 
As  seen  from  Blue  Ridge's  lofty  brow, 
From  what  it  seem'd  a  few  months  past, 
Ere  war,  with  desolating  blast, 
Had  swept  in  ruin  o'er  the  land, 
Feeding  grim  death  with  bloody  hand. 


44  THE    CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED. 

Now  thickly,  amongst  forest  pines, 

Which  shelter  our  advancing'  lines, 

Like  frost-work,  on  a  ground  of  green, 

Thousands  of  snowy  tents  are  seen. 

There  many  a  banner  is  unroll'd, 

Red,  white,  and  blue,  and  green  and  gold ; 

Each  loyal  State  her  motto  shows, 

As  in  the  breeze  the  bunting  blows  ; 

Standards  were  there,  whose  strange  device 

Bore  witness  of  the  bloody  price 

Brave  men  had  paid  their  flag  to  hold, 

When  carnage  fierce  around  them  rolPd ; 

And  exiles  from  beyond  the  seas 

There  flung  their  pennants  to  the  breeze  ; 

With  willing  hearts  and  ready  hand, 

They  strike  for  their  adopted  land. 

Old  Erin's  flag  was  there  unfurl'd, 

Its  green  waves  in  the  sunlight  Cuii'd, 

And  as  each  rippling  wave  unrolPd, 

The  breeze  rang  through  her  harp  of  gold. 

XXII. 

There,  near  the  center  of  the  line, 
A  staff,  hewn  from  a  giant  pine  ; 
And  firmly  planted  in  the  ground, 
Which  rises  in  a  grassy  mound, 


THE     CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED.  45 

Showing  its  head  the  pine  trees  through, 
Giving  our  chiefs  extended  view 
Of  wood  and  fields,  for  miles  away, 
'Long  which,  encamp 'd  our  warriors  lay  ; 
There  floating  from  the  flag-staff  tall 
Waves  our  brave  banner  over  all. 
There  mellow  sunlight  flash'd  and  play'd, 
Dancing  along  the  green  arcade, 
Gather'd  bright  smiles  from  woodland  flow'rs 
Then  spread  them  o'er  the  soldiers'  bow'rs. 
The  vast  encampment  peaceful  lay, 
For  miles  along  the  woody  way  ; 
The  white  tents  in  the  sunlight  glow, 
Like  hilly  landscape  cloth'd  in  snow ; 
Or  seen  from  where  our  Chief  had  made 
His  quarters  high  above  the  glade, 
Where  our  grand  army's  standard  shines, 
Flinging  its  starlight  o'er  the  lines  ; 
As  view'd  from  there,  an  azure  hue, 
The  distance  lends  the  spaces  through, 
Amongst  the  tents  they  seem  to  lie 
Like  fleecy  clouds  in  summer  sky. 
Then,  as  the  morn  the  mist  unroll'd, 
And  bath'd  their  pointed  tops  with  gold, 
While  many  a  flag  was  floating  there, 
In  graceful  folds  upon  the  air  ; 


46  THE    CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED. 

Amazed  the  stranger  well  might  stand, 
Or  wonder  if  some  wizard  hand 
Had  wav'd  far  o'er  the  wood  and  plain, 
Calling  to  life  the  glitt'ring  train. 
Or  deem  it  but  a  passing  dream, 
That  fades  with  morning's  early  beam. 

XXIII. 

A  sound  soon  breaks  the  gazer's  spell, 
It  rings  through  cavern,  rock,  and  dell  ; 
Rolls  through  the  camp  and  o'er  the  plain, 
The  deep  woods  echo  back  the  strain, 
As  on  the  air  in  music  floats, 
The  army's  rallying  bugle-notes  ; 
From  distant  hills  the  wild  refrain 
Comes  rolling  back  to  camp  again  ; 
And  ere  the  notes  have  died  away 
The  drums  join  in  the  lively  lay. 
At  bugle-blast  and  beat  of  drum, 
Forth  from  their  tents  the  warriors  come, 
From  light  brigade  to  pond'rous  corps, 
From  out  the  shelt'ring  woods  they  pour  ; 
Then  as  the  heavy  columns  wheel'd 
And  form'd  in  squares  upon  the  field, 
The  dread  artillery's  pond'rous  train, 
Came  thund'ring  on  the  open  plain : 


THE     CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED.  47 

With  foaming  bit  and  eye  of  flame, 
Onward  the  flying  coursers  came  ; 
The  fearless  riders  urge  their  pace, 
The  guns  in  right  position  place, 
Wheel  their  fleet  steeds  in  full  career, 
Unhitch,  and  pass  them  to  the  rear. 
Again  the  distant  hills  resound, 
With  echoes  of  the  bugle-sound  : 
Along  the  lines  an  answ'ring  note 
Is  roll'd  from  many  a  silver  throat ; 
Then  sweeping  from  the  pine-trees7  shade, 
Like  whirlwind  o'er  the  sunny  glade, 
Or,  as  the  avalanche  may  slide 
In  fury  down  the  mountain's  side  : 
Or,  when  the  savage,  in  his  ire, 
Hath  touch'd  the  prairie-field  with  fire, 
And  wrath  rolls  on  a  cloud  of  flame, 
Thus  twenty  thousand  horsemen  came  : 
With  head  erect  and  nostril  wide, 
And  arm'd  heel  pressing  at  their  side, 
With  ear  alert  and  forward  bent, 
To  catch  the  sound  the  bugle  sent — 
Their  long  manes  floating  on  the  wind, 
While  dusty  billows  roll  behind. 
With  ocean- wave's  resistless  force 
Right  onward  roll'd  the  corps  of  horse  : 


48  THE     CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED. 

Their  riders  only  draw,  the  rein 
When  in  position  on  the  plain. 

XXIV. 

Now  heavier  sounds  salute  the  ear, 

The  earth  shakes  as  with  sudden  fear  ; 

The  last,  though  not  the  least  by  far, 

But  far  the  greatest  arm  of  war, 

A  hundred  horses'  fiery  zeal 

But  slowly  turns  each  heavy  wheel — 

The  strong  link  in  the  army's  chain — 

Come  the  huge  siege-guns'  pond'rous  train. 

The  morning's  early  sunbeams  shone, 

On  grassy  fields  and  mossy  stone, 

Wand'ring  along  for  miles  away, 

Their  light  all  unreflected  lay  ; 

Naught  meeting  in  the  lonely  track, 

To  fling  their  golden  beauties  back. 

But  when  the  pine-trees'  solemn  shade 

Had  vanish'd  from  the  open  glade, 

And  noonday  let  her  mantle  fall 

In  mellow  brightness  over  all, 

The  sunlight's  glorious  robes  enfold, 

Two  hundred  thousand  warriors  bold. 

And  bristling  bayonet,  sword,  and  gun, 

Reflected  back  the  midday  sun. 


THE    CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED.  49 


XXV. 

Now  martial  music  swells  the  gale, 

And  ent'ring  on  the  sunny  vale, 

A  gallant  troop  of  horsemen  ride  ; 

Gay  trappings  deck  each  courser's  side. 

Theirsaddle-cloth  of  ample  fold, 

And  azure  hue,  was  trimm'd  with  gold  ; 

And  silver  bit  and  silken  rein, 

Held  arching  neck  and  flowing  mane. 

The  foot  in  silver  stirrups  rest, 

And  golden  spur  to  heel  is  press'd. 

While  from  the  horseman's  saddle-bows 

A  silver-crested  eagle  rose. 

Proudly  the  steeds  their  burdens  bore, 

Blue  uniform  the  riders  wore  ; 

Their  epaulets  of  twisted  gold, 

The  sunlight  from  their  shoulders  roll'd  ; 

Each  button  show'd  the  Nation's  crest, 

A  golden  eagle  on  her  nest. 

Their  burnish'd  sword  with  jewel'd  hilt, 

Repose  in  scabbards  gaily  gilt, 

Hung  sleeping  by  each  warrior's  side  : 

As  though  their  blades  were  never  dy'd 

To  jewel'd  hilt  in  crimson  flood, 

And  their  gold  scabbards  fill'd  with  blood. 


50  THE    CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED. 

But  peaceful  now  the  cavalcade 
Rides  o'er  the  field,  on  dress  parade. 

XXVI. 

With  easy  gallop  o'er  the  plain, 
The  corp's  commanders  and  their  train, 
Ride  on  for  miles,  along  the  line,         * 
Where  groves  of  bristling  bayonets  shine. 
Review  the  troops  with  eagle  eye, 
Note  where  the  siege-guns  sleeping  lie  ; 
Flying  artillery's  glist'ning  park, 
From  them  receiv'd  approving  mark. 
The  cavalry  are  form'd  and  wheel'd 
In  evolutions  o'er  the  field  ; 
Sappers  and  miners  are  array'd, 
With  burnish'd  pick  and  shining  spade  ; 
And  gun  and  mortar,  shot  and  shell, 
Receive  approving  nod  'tis  well. 
And  ev'ry  arm  the  service  knows 
There  brightly  in  the  sunlight  glows. 
And  to  the  field  a  radiance  gave, 
Like  sunlight  on  the  green  sea  wave. 
The  rank  and  file  their  arms  present, 
With  hearty  cheers  the  air  is  rent ; 
While  flashing  in  the  golden  light 
Are  twenty  thousand  sabers  bright ; 


THE    CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED.  51 

With  nod,  and  smile,  and  manly  bow, 
The  grateful  chiefs  are  bending  now  ; 
They  answer  back  the  cheering  band, 
By  many  a  graceful  wave  of  hand. 

XXVII. 

One  form  amongst  the  generals  rode 
A  snow-white  charger  he  bestrode  ; 
His  glov'd  hand  held  a  leather  rein, 
His  uniform  was  blue,  but  plain — 
lSTo  twisted  knots  of  golden  braid, 
Was  on  his  heavy  shoulder  laid  • 
Yet  prouder  badge  than  all  the  rest, 
He  wore  the  eagle  on  his  breast ; 
Nor  brighter  eye,  nor  bolder  mien, 
Nor  manlier  form  was  ever  seen  ; 
His  heavy  brow  and  close-cut  hair, 
(All  day  he  rode  uncovered  there  ;) 
The  compress'd  lip  and  massive  chin, 
Were  index  of  the  soul  within — 
A  nobleman  from  Nature's  hand, 
He  stood  the  chieftain  in  command. 
Then,  as  the  cheers  roll  up  the  glen, 
That  rise  from  his  devoted  men, 
High  swell'd  his  breast,  for  ne'er  before 
Had  man  such  heavy  honors  bore. 


52  THE    CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED. 

He  turn'd  his  eyes  far  down  the  vale, 
And  still  the  sounds  swell  on  the  gale, 
O'er  bank,  and  bush,  and  winding  stream, 
Still,  miles  on  miles  of  bayonets  gleam. 
He  calls  the  field-glass  to  his  aid,  . 
To  track  their  windings  down  the  glade. 
The  army's  length  the  glass  defies, 
To  show  where  its  last  column  lies. 

XXVIII. 

As  some  vast  river's  winding  stream, 

Quivers  in  day's  descending  beam, 

Whose  silver  waves  are  crimson-dy'd, 

With  sunbeams  sleeping  on  the  tide — 

Each  rippling  wave  a  silver  nest, 

In  which  day's  fading  glories  rest. 

Thus,  through  the  valley's  lengthening  way, 

Potomac's  glorious  army  lay  : 

The  sun,  in  his  descending  rays, 

Wrapt  their  stack'd  arms  in  crimson  blaze  ; 

Each  bayonet  seem'd  a  gleaming  spire, 

Where  daylight  left  its  fading  fire  ; 

The  army,  like  the  river,  lay, 

Bath'd  in  the  dying  flush  of  day, — 

As  mighty  in  its  onward  course, 

As  rolling  stream's  resistless  force  ; 


THE    CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED.  53 

And  woe  and  ruin  dire  to  them, 
Who  either  tide  would  seek  to  stem. 

XXIX. 

Low  in  the  heavens  hung  the  sun, 
The  golden  day  is  almost  run  ; 
But  daylight  needs  be  thrice  its  length, 
To  view  one-half  the  army's  strength. 
The  grand  review  with  day  is  o'er, 
Back  to  the  camp  the  soldiers  pour, 
Proud  beams  the  chiefs  approving  eye, 
On  their  long  columns  sweeping  by. 
Still  brighter  glance  the  chieftain's  fling, 
And  louder,  hoofs  and  sabers  ring, 
As  in  the  ranks  the  horsemen  wheel'd 
Their  heavy  columns  off  the  field. 
"  Enough,  it  is  enough,"  he  cried, 
"To  swell  a  nation's  breast  with  pride  ; 
To  view  but  for  one  little  day 
The  people's  strength,  in  grand  array. 
And  proudly  may  Columbia  sing, 
No  power  can  clip  her  eagle's  wing, 
Roll  her  sweet  notes  of  freedom's  song, 
The  vaulted  arch  of  heaven  along. 
From  her  sons'  hearts  the  music  flies 
Back  to  its  home  among  the  skies. 


54  THE    CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED. 


XXX. 

"  Columbia's  soul  had  higher  birth 

Than  emanates  from  sons  of  earth. 

For  ages  had  her  spirit  slept, 

While  Superstition  slowly  crept 

Over  mankind,  till  soul  and  brain 

Was  fettered  by  its  galling  chain  ; 

Its  bloody  light  for  ages  shown, 

Driving  fair  Reason  from  her  throne. 

Then  man's  credulity  drank  in 

The  teachings — that  to  think  was  sin. 

Abject  obedience  to  each  fool 

Whom  Chance  plac'd  on  a  gilded  stool ; 

Bend  low  the  knee  where  miters  shine, 

Kings  rule  by  every  right  divine. 

Yile  doctrines  these  ;  yet  men  for  years 

Have  worship'd  them  thro'  blood  and  tears. 

Men  bound  by  Superstition's  thrall 

A  gilded  scepter  sways  them  all ; 

In  royal  robes  Oppression  decks 

Her  knaves  :  who  trample  on  the  necks 

Of  toiling  millions  :  who  for  ages  till'd 

Earth's  fertile  bosom,  and  their  coffers  fill'd. 

Those  darksome  days  are  rolling  by, 

Like  storm-clouds  from  a  summer  sky. 


THE    CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED.  55 

And  northward,  from  the  azure  dome, 
Where  bright-ey'd  Freedom  has  her  home, 
There  comes  a  form  as  clear  and  bright, 
And  beautiful  as  morning  light ; 
That  form  three  colors  proudly  wore, 
She,  in  her  hand,  a  banner  bore, 
Whose  staff  was  made  of  golden  rays, 
That  earliest  from  the  sunlight  blaze. 
The  ground-work  of  her  banner  bright, 
Was  wove  alternate  red  and  white, 
The  white  was  Purity's  attire  ; 
The  red  was  of  celestial  fire, 
While  high  above  the  white  and  red, 
And  near  the  flag-staff's  golden  head, 
Embedded  in  a  field  of  blue, 
Thirteen  bright  stars  their  radiance  threw 
Over  the  world  ;  throughout  the  earth, 
Their  light  proclaimed  Columbia's  birth. 
Then  fetter'd  millions  turn  their  eyes 
Hopeful  along  the  Northern  skies, 
Watching,  with  all  their  yearning  souls, 
The  land  where  Freedom's  flag  unrolls  ; 
Kings  trembled  when  they  saw  unfurl'd 
The  motto — '  Freedom  to  the  world  ; ' 
Then  tyrants  hurl'd  their  fools  and  knaves 
On  Freedom's  shore  to  find  their  graves. 


56  THE     CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED. 

The  British  lion's  dreadful  roar 
Made  sweet  Columbia  smile  the  more — 
From  earth  oppression  could  not  rise, 
Columbia's  birth  was  of  the  skies. 
Millions  Oppression's  fetters  broke, 
And  from  their  souls  threw  off  the  yoke, 
Which  bound  their  necks  in  slavish  toil. 
Then  settled  on  Columbia's  soil, 
For  years  they  firmly  kept  the  land, 
From  bold  invader's  ruthless  hand  ; 
Nor  bow'd  the  head,  nor  bent  the  knee, 
To  aught  save  God  and  liberty. 

XXXI. 

"  But  on  our. banner  now  appears 

A  stain,  which  darker  grows  with  years, 

And  freemen  must  this  stain  efface, 

And  no  distinction  make  of  race, 

Nor  name,  nor  color  ;  each  must  hold 

His  liberty,  at  price  untold. 

We,  like  our  patriot  sires  of  yore, 

Will  bear  the  flag  they  nobly  bore — 

And  burning  drops  of  bloody  rain 

Shall  cleanse  its  folds  from  slavery's  stain. 

Columbia  peaceful  measures  tried, 

Till  Southern  lords  flung  back  with  pride 


THE     CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED.  57 

And  withering  scorn  her  olive  branch, 
And  in  defiance  bade  her  launch 
Her  thunderbolts  on  Southern  ground.      ' 
Their  slaves  were  too  securely  bound, 
Body  and  soul,  in  their  dark  minds. 
Freedom's  sweet  voice  no  echo  finds, 
And  mockingly  they  bade  the  North 
To  send  her  greasy  legions  forth  ; 
They  wager'd  with  a  scorn  sublime, 
To  check  each  soldier  with  a  dime. 
Alas  for  them,  their  jibes  and  jeers 
Will  darkly  sink  in  blood  and  tears  ; 
And  where  the  weed  of  slavery  grows, 
Freedom  shall  blossom  like  the  rose." 
Then,  low  the  chieftain  bow'd  his  head, 
And  turning  to  his  generals  said  : 
"I  speak  not  to  inspire  your  zeal, 
Your  hearts,  I  know,  are  true  as  steel ; 
And  well  we  know  how  just  our  cause, 
We  strike  to  vindicate  our  laws. 
Useless  are  words,  yet  when  I  see, 
For  miles  along  the  flowery  lea, 
Our  columns  rolling  o'er  the  plain, 
Like  swelling  billows  o'er  the  main, 
A  fiery  spirit  fills  my  breast — 
Wild  thoughts  upon  the  brain  are  press'd, 
c* 


58  THE    CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED. 

Which  freely  on  the  air  are  flung, 
Falling  unbidden  from  the  tongue." 
He  waived  his  hand  to  claim  their  grace, 
Then  spurr'd  at  easy  gallop  pace 
His  snowy  charger  o'er  the  plain, 
Close  follow'd  by  the  gallant  train. 

XXXII. 

Ere  they  had  clear'd  the  open  ground, 
A  solitary  bugle  sound 
Rang  up  the  glen  and  through  the  pines  ; 
Then  northward  far  beyond  the  lines 
A  dark  spot  on  the  field  appears  ; 
Then  swift  as  summer  cloud  careers 
Before  the  gale  the  blue  arch  through, 
A  strange  wild  troop  burst  on  their  view. 
The  chieftains  halted  in  surprise, 
Applied  the  field-glass  to  their  eyes  ; 
With  wonder  viewed  the  troop  of  horse, 
Who  onward  hold  their  headlong  course  ; 
Neither  to  right  nor  left  they  veer, 
But  straight  upon  the  generals  steer. 
Then  near  and  nearer  as  they  rode, 
The  coming  troop  their  standard  show'd. 
Its  silken  folds  of  fleecy  white 
Waved  gaily  in  the  fading  light ; 


THE    CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED.  5$ 

And  on  its  field  a  pine-tree  made 
An  evergreen  and  constant  shade : 
While  underneath  its  boughs  of  green 
A  grizzly  bear  was  sleeping  seen. 
G-ayly  the  glittering  flag  displays 
Its  legend  to  their  wondering  gaze. 
But  one  was  there  who  might  engage 
To  quickly  read  the  mystic  page, 
For  he  had  come  from  lands  afar, 
And  pledged  his  spirit  for  the  war. 
He  soon  to  them  the  legend  told  : 
That  flag  was  from  the  land  of  gold  ; 
In  that  white  field,  to  them  he  said, 
Was  purity  of  purpose  read  ; 
An  emblem  in  the  pine  was  seen 
Of  friendly  memories  evergreen  ; 
The  monster,  peaceful  in  his  strength, 
Reposing  on  the  ground  at  length, 
Might  say  :  "  The  foes  who  wake  my  ire 
In  my  embrace  will  soon  expire  ; " 
There  friendship ,  truth,  and  strength  unite 
Their  virtues  in  the  field  of  white  : 
And  in  the  silver  border  'round  it, 
The  word,  "  Eureka,"  I  have  found  it. 


60  THE     CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED. 

XXXIII. 

Strange  was  the  flag,  still  stranger  seem'd 
The  small  white  hand  in  which  it  gleam'd 
And  much  they  marveled,  one  so  fair 
And  young,  their  battle-flag  should  bear  : 
For  all  among  the  stranger  band 
"Wore  sunburnt  face  and  roughen'd  hand, 
All,  save  the  youthful  standard-bearer  ; 
Nor  lady's  cheek  than  his  was  fairer, 
Save  where  the  sun  in  summer  days, 
Had  kiss'd  the  cheek  with  ardent  rays, 
And  mingled  with  the  lily-blows 
The  blushing  hue  of  blooming  rose  ; 
There,  rose  and  lily  shaded  down 
To  softest  tint  of  lovely  brown, 
Were  sleeping  with  their  beauties  blended 
Just  where  the  dark-brown  tresses  ended  ; 
The  open  brow  and  clear  brown  eye, 
Show'd  lofty  soul  and  purpose  high  : 
Yet  still,  a  something  flash'd  and  play'd 
Around  his  visage,  which  betray'd 
The  secret  he  had  hoped  to  keep 
Long  in  his  bosom  buried  deep. 
But  tell-tale  blushes  come  and"  go, 
And  faster  runs  the  ebb  and  flow 


THE     CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED.  61 

Of  life's  warm  current  through  his  veins, 
As  at  the  word  each  horseman  reins 
In  sudden  halt  his  tired  steed. 
Then  from  the  ranks  rode  SEWELL  REED, 
And  bade  his  standard-bearer  ride, 
And  bear  their  banner  by  his  side, 
And  tender  to  the  chiefs  who  wait, 
An  off 'rfng  from  the  Golden  State. 
Brave  SEWELL  saw  the  varying  streak 
That  flushed,  then  faded  from  her  cheek. 
He  said  :  "  Be  firm,  that  none  may  know 
A  woman's  heart  beats  soft  below 
That  warlike  dress  •  we  '11  soon  meet  eyes 
I  fear  thy  secret  will  surprise." 

XXXIV  . 

At  touch  of.  spur  their  coursers  bound, 
And  lightly  clear  the  open  ground 
That  intervenes  between  their  band 
And  where  the  group  of  generals  stand. 
Then  REED  his  own  credentials  gave, 
As  leader  of  the  Hundred  brave, 
And  begg'd  the  chiefs  enroll  his  band 
Amongst  the  warriors  of  the  land. 
" I  know,"  he  said,  "my  troop  is  small, 
The  Golden  State  received  no  call 


62  THE     CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED. 

For  volunteers.     We  once  had  hope 
That  from  the  far  Pacific's  slope 
Our  country's  need  would  call  us  forth 
To  join  the  legions  of  the  North  ; 
Our  hardy  yeomen  heard  with  pride, 
From  your  far  eastern  border  side  : 
The  quick  response  of  warlike  men 
Roll  over  valley,  hill,  and  glen —  * 
From  blooming  youth  to  silver  years, 
They  came — the  nation's  volunteers. 
Throughout  the  land,  from  loyal  States, 
Came  heroes  as  war  delegates  : 
While  brave  men  of  the  golden  west 
In  peaceful  idleness  may  rest. 
We  waited  long,  for  many  a  day, 
Hoping  a  call  to  join  the  fray  ; 
But  days  and  months  roll'd  swiftly  by 
While  our  fond  hopes  were  left  to  die, 
Or  slumber  by  Pacific's  wave., 
Filling,  at  last,  a  nameless  grave. 

XXXV. 

"  We  prayed  the  nation's  magistrate 
To  gather,  from  the  Golden  State 
Her  quota  ;  that  her  sons  might  claim 
A  place  upon  the  roll  of  fame. 


THE     CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED.  63 

We  did  not  wish,  in  after  years, 
When  peace  smil'd  through  her  bloody  tears, 
To  see  our  children  hang  the  head 
And  in  their  downcast  looks  be  read, 
No  sire  of  mine  for  freedom  bled ; 
Or  meeting,  on  some  foreign  strand,       , 
A  warrior,  from  your  eastern  land, 
Who  shows  the  scars  of  many  a  fight, 
Beneath  his  locks  of  silver  white  ; 
Or  have  him  turn  and  ask  us  where 
Our  battle-flag  waved  in  the  air 
On  such  a  day  as  he  would  name, 
When  rebel  legions  hotly  came, 
Rolling  with  them  a  bloody  tide 
Along  Virginia's  border  side  ; 
And  justly  proud  to  hear  him  say  : 
'  I  bore  our  battle-flag  that  day — 
Thank  God,  I  was  the  favored  one, 
The  first  to  cross  the  bloody  run, 
With  twenty  thousand  at  my  back  ; 
We  rode  upon  the  gory  track 
From  early  morn  till  set  of  sun, 
Ere  we  the  bloody  field  had  won—- 
Planted our  flag,  or  stack'd  our  arms, 
Triumphant  on  the  field  of  palms. 
Or  ask  us  who  our  banner  bore, 


64  THE     CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED. 

Throughout  the  vale  of  Shenandoah, 
While  thousands  of  our  heroes,  slain, 
Were  festering  on  the  bloody  plain  ; 
While  bleaching  in  each  gloomy  glen, 
Were  piled  the  bones  of  Northern  men.' 

xxxvi. 

Questions  like  these,  we  ill  could  brook- 
Could  ill  endure  the  altered  look 
We  would  receive,  when  in  reply 
We  turn  on  him  a  downcast  eye, 
Saying  :  '  We're  from  the  Golden  West : 
Those  bloody  days  we  were  at  rest 
In  safety,  in  our  land  of  gold, 
While  war  in  crimson  billows  roll'd 
Around  the  nation's  bleeding  heart ; 
Yet  in  the  strife  we  bore  no  part. 
The  cost  and  distance  was  too  great 
To  call  troops  from  the  Golden  State- 
So  deem'd  the  rulers  of  the  land. 
Then  California  raised  a  band 
To  represent,  by  one  in  ten, 
The  thousands  of  her  warlike  men. 
Arm'd  and  equip'd,  at  her  own  cost, 
They  seem  like  drops  in  ocean  lost 
Amongst  the  legions  of  your  braves, 


THE     CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED.  65 

Who  fill  the  plain  like  gathering  waves. 

Though  small  the  troop — our  numbers  few, 

No  soul  more  firm  nor  heart  more  true 

Ere  beat  beneath  a  soldier's  vest, 

Than  warms  those  bosoms  from  the  West. 

Apart  from  this,  upon  each  blade 

Glory  her  heavy  task  hath  laid  ; 

Each  chosen  man  is  here  to  fight, 

And  in  war's  bloody  letters  write 

High  on  the  glitt'ring  roll  of  fame, 

His  own  and  California's  name — 

Encircled  by  a  halo  bright, 

The  names  of  those  who  fall  in  fight, 

Will  roll  from  history's  shining  page 

A  glory  o'er  the  coming  age.' 

XXXVII.      ' 

"I  now  to  you  a  tender  make — 
I  pray  you  will  acceptance  take 
Of  our  State  standard  Pine  and  Bear, 
And  her  brave  Hundred  waiting  there." 
He  ceased,  then  pointed  with  his  hand 
To  where  in  waiting  stood  the  band  ; 
Then  beckon'd  nearer  to  his  side 
The  youth  who  bore  his  flag,  to  ride. 
His  ungloved  hand  the  chieftain  gave 


66  THE    CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED. 

To  him  who  led  the  Hundred  brave  ; 
Then  bade  him  hearty  welcome  claim — 
His  State  was  known  to  him  and  fame. 
Warriors  in  plenty  were  enroll'd, 
He  said  ;  yet  armies  must  have  gold, 
To  place  them  on  war's  footing  strong 
And  roll  their  pond'rous  wheels  along. 
He  thank'd  the  State  whose  open  hand, 
Had  shower'd  her  treasures  o'er  the  land  ; 
She,  when  war's  sinews  were  relax'd 
In  States  with  heavy  burdens  tax'd, 
Had  ever  roll'd  her  golden  store 
To  ns  upon  the  Eastern  shore. 
He,  smiling,  said  :  ' '  The  sinewy  test 
Of  strength  in  war,  came  from  the  West  ;" 
Our  gold  had  often  nerv'd  their  arms, 
In  battling  in  the  land  of  palms  — 
Well  pleas'd  was  he  to  see  unite 
The  Bear-flag  with  his  own  in  fight. 

XXXVIII. 

The  weary  steeds  are  resting  now, 
With  slacken'd  rein  on  saddle-bow  ; 
The  drooping  head  and  steaming  side 
Bear  witness  of  the  day's  long  ride. 
The  riders,  dust  and  foam  bedeck'd, 


THE    CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED.  67 

Still  in  their  saddles  sit  erect ; 
Their  eagle  glance  and  bearing  bold 
Match'd  well  their  dress  of  green  and  gold. 
Green  velvet  caps  the  warriors  wore, 
Whose  front  an  eagle's  plumage  bore  ; 
Encircl'd  by  a  golden  band, 
In  which,  in  silver  letters,  stand 
The  word  "  Eureka,77  underneath  ; 
"  One  Hundred,"  in  a  laurel  wreath. 
They  waited  with  impatience  strong — 
They  deem'd  their  leader  tarried  long 
In  converse  with  the  nation's  chief — 
A  sign  soon  came  to  their  relief. 
Their  leader's  sword,  with  single  glance, 
Gave  signal  for  the  troops'  advance  ; 
Its  flash  was  scarcely  o'er  them  flung, 
Ere  hoof,  and  spur,  and  saber  rung. 
With  forward  bound  the  troop  replied, 
Then  halted  by  their  captain's  side  ; 
Proudly  they  look'd,  drawn  up  in  line, 
Though  toil  and  dust  had  dimm'd  the  shine 
Of  their  rich  uniforms  of  green — 
Dark  stains  upon  the  lace  was  seen, 
Whose  fretted  edge  of  burnish'd  gold 
Once  brightly  back  the  sunlight  roll'd. 
The  army's  chieftain  gave  no  heed 


68  THE     CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED. 

To  soil,  nor  stain,  nor  dusty  steed  ; 

But  view'd,  with  warrior's  practic'd  eye, 

Each  soldier  as  he  pass'd  him  by. 

Well    pleas'd,    he    mark'd    each    warrior's 

strength, 

Noted  each  heavy  saber's  length  ; 
The  well-turn'd  limb  and  heavy  chest, 
And  foot  firm  in  the  stirrup  press'd  ; 
The  head  well  set  on  shoulders  square, 
And  piercing  eyes,  whose  steady  glare 
Show'd  iron  will  and  purpose  strong, 
And  soul  well  train'd  for  'durance  long. 

xxxix. 

The  chieftain  reign'd  his  snowy  steed 
Beside  the  horse  of  SEWELL  REED, — 
There  thank'd  him  for  his  Hundred  men  ; 
Then  bade  them,  in  a  lovely  glen, 
To  pitch  their  tents  near  by  his  own. 
He  said,  when  early  morning  shown, 
He'd  place  them  in  the  vet'ran  corps 
That  guards  the  vale  of  Shenandoah. 
Then  in  a  low  and  altered  tone, 
With    queer    glance   from   his   bright   eye 

thrown , 
The  chieftain  questioned  SEWELL  REED, 


THE     CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED.  69 

Of  him  who  rode  the  sable  steed  ; 

Who  proudly  wav'd  the  silken  Bear, 

And  sat  his  horse  so  stately  there. 

"  Curious,"  he  said,  "it  seem'd,  and  strange 

That  one  so  young  and  fair,  should  range 

From  sweet  home  in  some  quiet  glen, 

And  roam  amongst  those  warlike  men  j 

Yet  stranger  still  that  form  so  slight, 

Should  bear  their  banner  in  the  fight. 

But  for  his  dress  and  martial  mien, 

And  war-fire  in  his  brown  eye  seen, 

I'd  risk  the  honor  of  my  blade, 

Thy  standard-bearer  is  a  maid. 

7Tis  acted  well,  her  bearing  bold, 

I  honor  much  her  purpose  high  ; 

But  beauty  hath  her  secret  told, 

Giving  her  warlike  dress  the  lie. 

It  shows  deep  feeling  for  our  cause, 

When  from  the  fire-side  it  draws 

A  lovely  woman,  in  disguise, 

To  fight  where  our  brave  banner  flies. 

Our  arms  must  win  when  maid  or  wife, 

Thus  to  her  country  gives  her  life  ; 

And  victory  round  our  standard  play, 

Crowning  each  hero's  brow  with  bay. 


70  THE     CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED. 

XL. 

"  But  friend,  this  sweet  domestic  flower 
Would  fade  in  warrior's  bloody  bow'r  ; 
Her  gentle  heart  I  fear  would  fail, 
Where  death  rides  on  the  sulphrous  gale. 
Her  ear  attuned  to  loving  tone. 
Could  ill  endure  the  dying  groan 
Of  anguish  deep  and  madd'riing  cry, 
That  rise  from  thousands  as  they  die. 
Or  could'st  thou  be  a  man  again, 
If,  crossing  o'er  the  bloody  plain, 
Where  some  fierce  battle  had  been  fought 
And  victory  full  dearly  bought — 
If  thou  should'st  see  thy  blossom  lay 
Lifeless,  beside  the  gory  way  ; 
Her  brown  hair  trampled  in  the  dust. 
Her  bosom  torn  by  saber  thrust ; — 
Dost  think  in  life  thou  e'er  again, 
Could  music  hear  in  warbled  strain, 
Or  golden  sunlight  ever  roll 
The  dark  clouds  from  thy  heavy  soul? 
Believe  me,  mem'ry's  steady  strain 
Would  burst  the  network  of  the  brain. 
Nearby  there  is  a  lovely  spot," 
He  said  ;  "a  farmer's  humble  cot, 


THE     CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED.  71 

Embower 'd  'mongst  the  waving  pines, 
And  well  protected  by  our  lines. 
There  thou  can'st  place  thy  lovely  ward 
In  safety  ;  there  a  heavy  guard 
Will  hold  the  post,  and  long  remain, 
As  key  that  locks  the  open  plain." 

XL  I. 

REED,  bowing  graceful,  thank'd  his  chief, 
Who  kindly  came  to  his  relief ; 
•Called  to  his  side  the  sable  steed, 
And  there  presented  Mrs.  REED. 
He  would  accept,  he  said,  with  pride, 
A  shelter  for  his  youthful  bride  ; 
Accounting  for  her  presence  there, 
And  why  she  would  his  peril  share. 
He  said,  on  their  great  seal  of  State, 
A  warlike  female  figure  sate — 
She  represented  on  the  field 
Minerva,  with  a  golden  shield  ; 
She  now,  as  "  California,"  gave 
The  Bear-flag  in  his  ranks  to  wave. 
All  was  arranged — they  parted  then, 
Each  to  his  quarters,  with  their  men. 
While  ev'ning's  dusky  shadows  fell 
O'er  wood,  and  plain,  and  lowly  dell ; 


72  THE    CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED. 

The  silence  o'er  the  tented  ground 

Was  only  broken  by  the  cry 
Of  sentry,  in  his  watchful  round, 

Telling  the  hours  are  rolling  by. 
Or  owlet  startling  with  his  scream, 
Some  soldier,  from  a  pleasant  dream 
Of  home,  and  dear  ones  left  behind,. 
In  visions  flit  before  his  mind. 
Sleep  on,  dream  on,  never  again 
Shall  flash  across  thy  waking  brain 
The  living  forms,  whose  phantoms  creep 
Around  thy  pillow  while  asleep. 
They  are  but  phantoms,  which  will  fade 
Like  frost-work,  when  the  sun  has  made 
His  toilet,  in  the  eastern  sky, 
And  turns  on  them  his  melting  eye. 

XLII. 

Dream  on,  in  dreams  the  future  lies 
Unclguded  as  the  summer  skies  ; 
While  Hope  upon  her  rainbow-wings 
The  laurel  wreath  to  victor  brings  : 
While  down  the  stream  of  time  his  name 
Is  floating  with  undying  fame. 
Alas !  for  many  glory's  beams 
Break  o'er  them  only  in  their  dreams. 


THE    CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED.  73 

'Tis  well  we  may  not  look  before, 
Nor  view  the  Future's  shadowy  shore  ; 
Nor  gaze  upon  the  mighty  tide, 
Whose  depths  our  coming  sorrows  hide. 
We  see  them  not,  yet  still  and  deep, 
And  with  a  steady  onward  sweep 
The  future's  ocean-billows  flow, 
Full  freighted,  with  our  weal  or  woe. 
Fate  rides  upon  each  rolling  wave 
So  sure  and  silent  as  the  grave  : 
Until,  from  out  their  depths  sublime, 
They  break  upon  the  shores  of  Time. 
'Tis  well  we  may  not  cast  our  glance, 
Along  Life's  pathway,  in  advance, 
Nor  see  the  thorn  beneath  the  rose, 
Nor  stings  among  the  thistle  blows  ; 
Nor  see  where  Poison,  sleeping  lies, 
Among  the  poppy's  scarlet  dyes. 
Along  the  future's  unknown  stream 
Hope  ever  throws  her  rosy  beam, 
Whose  golden  glories  serve  to  hide, 
The  treacherous  rocks  beneath  the  tide. 

XLIII  . 

In  Life's  flood-tide  to  fav'ring  gales 
Mankind  hath  ever  trimm'd  their  sails  ; 


74  THE    CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED. 

Their  bark  glides  smoothly  on  awhile, 
Till  wreck'd  on  Love  or  Friendship's  isle- 
Or  on  Ambition's  stormy  coast, 
The  treasures  of  a  life  are  lost. 
Could  Mankind,  with  prophetic  eye, 
Pierce  the  dim  Future's  dusky  sky, 
And  read  upon  the  fatal  scroll, 
The  limit  of  each  during  soul. 
Potomac's  host  would  restless  lie, 
And  sleep  forsake  each  soldier's  eye. 
'Tis  well  life  is  not  what  it  seems, 
Our  greatest  pleasures  are  but  dreams, 
Which  dance  before  our  eager  eyes, 
Fading  before  we  grasp  the  prize. 
Sleep  on,  my  heroes,  sleep  and  dream : 
To-morrow's  rosy  morning  beam 
Will  be  the  last  that  e'er  will  roll, 
O'er  that  vast  army,  as  a  whole. 
Before  another  morn  shall  rise 
A  heavy  sleep  will  close  the  eyes 
Of  thousands,  on  a  bloody  plain, 
Who  never  will  awake  again  ; 
Never  awake  to  mortal  eyes, 
They  may  beyond  the  azure  skies. 
Farewell ;  my  Muse  no  longer  sings, 
Awhile  she  folds  her  weary  wings, 


THE    CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED.  75 

While  War's  rude  billows  roll  along 
They  drown  the  music  of  her  song  ; 
And  all  too  feeble  is  her  strain, 
To  track  upon  each  bloody  plain, 
So  vast  a  host  or  sing  their  praise. 
Her  light  would  fade  beside  the  blaze 
Of  glory  in  each  vict'ry  won, 
Like  rush-light  in  the  midday  sun, 
The  leaves  it  for  some  abler  hand, 
So  roll  their  glory  o'er  the  land. 
She  tunes  her  feeble  notes  again 
For  "  California's  Hundred  "  men. 

THE     BATTLE. 
XL  IV. 

SWEET  syren  of  the  azure  eye 

Come  plume  again  thy  dapple  wing, 

And  o'er  the  fields  of  carnage  fly 

Then  strike  thy  harp  and  boldly  sing  : 

Long  hast  thou  tarried  in  the  land  of  dreams, 

Rolling  thy  song  amongst  the  fairy  bow'rs 

That    line    the    banks    of  mem'ry-haunt'd 

streams, 

Where  dwell  the  phantoms   of  our  van- 
ish'd  hours. 


76  THE    CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED. 

From   Fancy's   unreal  world    return   once 

more, 
While  War's  red  beacon  lights  the  land 

with  flame. 
Strike  thy  wild  lyre,  and  o'er  the  Hundred 

pour, 
•In  melody,  their  deeds  of  deathless  fame. 

We  left  the  Hundred  sleeping,  where 
The  wild  fox  makes  his  nightly  lair, 
Where  mountain-cat,  with  stealthy  creep, 
Steals  'round  their  quarters  while  asleep. 
Where,  often  in  his  leafy  bed, 
Is  heard  the  rustling  copperhead  ; 
While  high  above,  in  watchful  rest, 
The  eagle  sits  upon  her  nest. 
In  these  the  warriors  have  no  foes, 
To  break  upon  their  night's  repose  : 
When  unattack'd,  gentle  and  mild 
Are  Nature's  tenants  of  the  wild. 
'Tis  man  alone  would  basely  creep 
And  stab  his  fellow  while  asleep. 
The  worst  to  fear  in  Nature's  plan 
Is  man's  duplicity  to  man. 


THE    CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED.  77 

XLV. 

I  have  no  power  nor  strength  of  song 

To  trace  the  path  where  roll'd  along 

Potomac's  army  in  its  pride, 

Like  some  vast  overwhelming  tide  ; 

Whose  barrier  can  no  longer  chain 

The  waters  in  their  own  domain. 

It  swept  along  Potomac's  shore, 

As  typhoon  sweeps  the  ocean  o'er. 

And  ever  on  the  bloody  tide 

Foremost  the  gallant  Hundred  ride. 

Or,  as  the  dread  Sirocco's  breath 

Drives  o'er  the  desert,  spreading  death 

And  desolation  o'er  each  band 

Of  pilgrims,  in  that  burning  land  • 

Where  none  are  spar'd,  save  those  who  flee, 

And  find  upon  the  sandy  sea 

An  oasis,  whose  dark-green  shore 

May  stay  the  burning  billows'  roar. 

Thus  roll'd  the  Northern  host  along, 

Their  pond'rous  columns,  deep  and  strong, 

Plow'd  o'er  the  plain  and  through  the  vale, 

Leaving  behind  a  desert  trail. 


78  THE    CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED. 


XLVI. 

Yet,  ever  in  this  waste  around, 

An  oasis  the  foe  had  found, 

A  refuge  and  a  pardon  both, 

To  those  who  took  repentant  oath. 

While  many  a  traitor  made  a  sham 

Of  loyalty  to  Abraham  ; 

Watching  like  vipers  in  their  nest 

Secure  to  Abraham's  bos'm  press'd, 

They  o'er  the  land  their  falsehood  fling, 

Waiting  some  other  chance  to  sting. 

And  ever  o'er  the  fiery  tide 

Of  war,  there,  side  by  side, 

With  Freedom's  banner  is  unroll'd, 

The  standard  from  the  land  of  gold — 

The  Bear  Flag  with  its  pine-tree  waves, 

An  evergreen  among  the  graves  ; 

And  many  a  foe  hath  run  his  race, 

When  lock'd  in  bruin's  fond  embrace. 

And  ever  on  each  gory  plain, 

Which  mark'd  the  army's  long  campaign, 

Where  slaughter'd  warriors  thickest  lie, 

Where  vultures  thickest  cloud  the  sky, 

Sweeping  in  circles  o'er  and  o'er, 

Their  sharp  beaks  dripping  wet  with  gore, 


THE    CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED.  79 

Scarce  waiting  for  the  deadly  fray 
To  cease,  ere  they  had  seized  their  prey. 
Where  desperate  strife  had  fiercest  been 
There  charg'd  the  gallant  Hundred  men. 
Nor  did  their  strong  endurance  fail 
When  unseen  foes  ride  on  the  gale. 
And  with  the  steady  burning  sweep 
Of  fever  through  their  vitals  creep, 
With  silent  pestilential  step'd, 
Stealing  their  life-blood  while  they  slept. 

XL  VII. 

Unmurmuring  they  fac'd  it  all, 

The  charging  steel,,  or  shell,  or  ball ; 

And,  when  their  battle-cry  arose, 

"  Eureka,"  charge,  among  the  foes, 

A  deadly  terror  seem'd  to  play, 

Melting  their  serried  ranks  away. 

The  King  of  Terrors  met  their  gaze 

In  ev'ry  shape,  or  form,  or  phase. 

He  rode  upon  the  bustling  shell : 

They  found  him  where  the  round  shot  fell ; 

They  heard  him  in  exploding  mine, 

In  bayonet  gleam  they  saw  him  shine  ; 

They  saw  him  come  with  saber's  flash, 

Driving  out  souls  through  many  a  gash ; 


80  THE     CALIFORNIA. HUNDRED. 

He  play'd  among  the  deadly  dew, 
Which    soak'd    their   tatter'd    garments 

through. 

He  lurk'd  among  the  cozy  fen, 
He  hid  in  ambush  in  the  glen, 
And  cover'd  with  the  thin  disguise 
Of  fever  ;  sought  them  to  surprise. 
The  Hundred  still  serenely  rode, 
Along  the  pathway  death  had  trode. 
Often  to  them  he  came  so  near 
They  heard  his  whisper  in  their  ear  ; 
And  felt  his  breath  upon  their  cheek, 
Leaving  a  pale  or  hectic  streak. 
They  had  with  him  familiar  grown, 
His  loss  had  left  them  quite  alone. 
Yet  never  came  the  Hundred  near 
That  shad'wy  craven  known  as  Fear. 

XL  VIII. 

My  muse  returns  to  greet  them  now, 
Encamp'd  near  Blue  Ridge's  lofty  brow. 
Daylight  is  fading  from  the  west, 
The  wild-bird  seeks  her  woodland  nest, 
And  silence  reigns  o'er  wood  and  hill, 
Broken  alone  by  whippowil. 
Who  trills  his  melancholy  lay 


THE    CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED.  81 

In  sorrow  for  the  parting  day. 
But  ere  the  night  her  mantle  threw 
Heavy  and  damp  with  falling  dew, 
Over  the  landscape's  lovely  scene, 
Turning  to  black  the  forest  green, 
A  weary  troop  of  horsemen  ride 
Within  the  forest  shades  to  hide 
From  watchful  eye  of  wary  foe. 
Their  camp-fire  in  its  evening  glow, 
The  chosen  place  to  make  their  camp, 
Was  high  above  the  valley's  damp, 
Within  the  margin  of  the  wood, 
Where  lofty  pine-trees  thickly  stood, 
While  underneath  their  boughs  of  green 
The  brush-wood  thickly  grew  between. 
In  front  an  open  valley  lay, 
Behind  were  rocks  of  iron  gray, 
Whose  frowning  heads  appear  to  rise 
And  kiss  the  over-hanging  skies. 
While  far  away  on  either  hand. 
For  miles,  extend  the  timber-land. 

XLIX. 

The  tents  are  pitch'd,  the  rude  bed  made, 
The  horses  tied  beneath  the  shade, 
Whose  length  of  tether  keeps  them  bound, 


82  THE    CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED. 

Yet  leaves  them  scope  to  feed  around. 
The  camp-fire  burns  with  cheerful  glow, 
Yet  scarcely  strong  enough  to  throw 
Its  beams  the  tangl'd  forest  through, 
So  closely  there  the  brush-wood  grew. 
The  frugal  meal  was  quickly  made, 
Short  time  around  the  fire  they  staid  ; 
For  Sleep  her  heavy  fingers  press'd 
On  drooping  eye-lids  seeking  rest  5 
But,  ere  they  sought  their  night's  repose, 
They  made  themselves  secure  from  foes, 
By  trusty  sentries  posted  where 
The  view  o'erlooks  the  valley  fair. 
They  were  inclos'd  on  ev'ry  side 
By  Nature's  breastworks,  high  and  wide. 
No  foe  to  them  could  access  gain, 
Save  where  the  pathway  sought  the  plain. 
Weary  were  they  and  soon  asleep, 
While  sentries  faithful  vigil  keep. 


Along  a  rough  and  weary  way 

The  tired  Hundred  rode  that  day  ; 

O'er  bog,  through  bush,  and  tangled  brier, 

Ofttimes  to  saddle-girth  in  mire, 

Then  cleans'd  their  horses'  muddy  sides 


THE    CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED.  83 

Again,  by  fording  mountain  tides. 
From  earliest  dawn  of  breaking  day, 
They  shunn'd  per  force  the  open  way. 
Sought  through  the  forest's  deepest  shade 
A  pathway  free  from  ambuscade  ; 
For  renegades,  the  day  before, 
Came  into  camp,  and  tidings  bore, 
Of  rebel  legions  gathering  strong, 
With  batteries  mask'd  and  hid,  along 
The  open  road  that  pierces  through 
The  forest  towards  the  ridge  of  blue. 
While  through  the  woods  on  either  hand, 
Acting  as  scouts,  was  Mosby's  band. 
Mosby,  the  dread  guerilla  chief, 
Assassin,  outlaw,  murderer,  thief, 
Was  with  four  hundred  desperate  men, 
Turning  his  footsteps  North  again. 
This  was  the  news  deserters  brought, 
Who  late  within  our  lines  had  sought, 
A  refuge  from  the  assassin  knives 

Of  Mosby  and  his  murd'rous  crew, 
For  they  had  forfeited  their  lives 

In  the  last  raid  :  they  boldly  threw 
Their  forms  across  their  leader's  path, 
To  check  him  in  his  murd'rous  wrath. 


84  THE     CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED. 


LI. 

Blood  had  they  seen  like  rivers  flow, 
But  then  it  ran  where,  blow  for  blow, 
Was  given  by  men  in  deadly  strife, 
Who  battled  manfully  for  life. 
This  hell-hound  of  the  viper's  nest, 
Within  whose  ranks  they  had  been  pressed, 
Had  ne'er,  they  said,  met  open  foe, 
He  would  with  tortuous  windings  go 
Far  off  the  plain  and  open  way, 
Seeking,  where  quiet  hamlets  lay, 
New  victims  for  his  murd'rous  blade, 
Making  on  them  his  midnight  raid. 
He  oft  his  villain  hand  would  steep 
In  blood  of  innocence  asleep  ; 
And  when  arose  the  frantic  prayer 
Of  mothers,  in  their  wild  despair, 
Begging  the  mocking  fiend  to  save 
Their  children  from  a  bloody  grave, 
Hell's  wild  delight  shone  in  his  eye — 
He  dash'd  them  in  the  flames  to  die. 
'Twas  such  a  scene  as  they  had  told, 
That  nerv'd  their  hearts  and  made  them  bold. 
And  secretly  some  few  had  swore 
To  steep  their  blades  in  Mosby's  gore. 


THE    CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED.  85 

Their  purpose  was  not  long  delayed — 
Mosby  had  borne  away  a  maid, 
From  her  sweet  home  in  Maryland, 
Slaughter'd  her  sire  with  ruthless  hand — 
Applied  the  torch,  lighted  the  fire, 
Which  made  her  kindred's  fun'ral  pyre. 

LII. 

He  kept  her  fetter'd  by  his  side, 
Yet  all  untam'd  :  her  Northern  pride 

His  threat,  or  mercy,  both  defied. 
Desperate  at  last  his  knife  he  drew, 

And  pointed  with  the  shining  blade 
To  where  a  drop  of  pearly  dew 

Was  on  a  woodland  blossom  laid. 
With  his  left  hand  he  rudely  tore 
Her  bosom  screen,  then  deeply  swore  : 
"  By  hell  and  all  the  fiends  I  serve, 
I  will  not  from  my  purpose  swerve. 
Living  or  dead  thou  shalt  be  mine, 
I  give  thee  till  the  quiv'ring  shine 
Hath  vanished  from  yon  drop  of  dew — • 
Defy  me  then,  I'll  pierce  thee  through  ; 
I'll  teach  thee,  maid,  this  knife  shall  find 
An  outlet  for  thy  haughty  mind." 
Defiance  still  her  dark  eye  flung, 


86  THE     CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED. 

She  deign'd  no  answer  with  her  tongue. 

Above  her  head  the  weapon  flash'd, 

Then  they  their  forms  between  them  dash'd  ; 

Rescued  the  maid  from  murd'rous  knife, 

Then  turn'd  their  blades  to  take  his  life. 

Alas !  that  their  attack  should  fail — 

They  only  hacked  his  shirt  of  mail. 

He  laugh'd  their  futile  rage  to  scorn, 

Sounded  a  blast  upon  his  horn, 

Which  call'd  from  out  the  neighboring  glen 

A  portion  of  his  desp'rate  men. 

They  knew  their  fate — to  turn  and  flee, 

Or  hang  upon  the  nearest  tree. 

'Twas  truth,  they  said,  and  stoutly  swore 

To  hang,  if  they  false  tidings  bore. 

LIII. 

To  learn  if  this  were  false  or  true, 

The  Hundred  from  their  corps  were  drawn ; 
Order 'd  to  scour  the  forest  through, 

And  learn  where  Mosby's  men  were  gone. 
Then  careful  reconnoissance  make, 
With  utmost  caution  measures  take 
To  ascertain  the  rebel  strength — 
Where  lay  their  lines,  their  breadth  and  length 
In  pursuit  of  this  desp'rate  game, 


THE    CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED.  87 

The  Hundred  near  the  Blue  Ridge  came. 

No  foe  to  them  as  yet  appears, 

No  hostile  sound  salute  their  ears, 

A  heavy  stillness  dwelt  around 

Within  the  forest  depth  profound. 

It  seemed  like  Silence  gone  to  sleep 

Upon  the  bosom  of  the  Deep. 

And  there  the  tall  trees  ever  made 

Over  the  ground  a  somber  shade  ; 

And  sunlight  on  the  summer  days, 

But  faintly  lighted  up  the  haze. 

At  length  the  sun's  descending  rays 

Upon  a  valley's  bosom  plays, 

And  freer  breath  the  Hundred  drew, 

As  open  landscape  met  their  view  ; 

And  there  upon  the  brown  hill  side 

They  made  their  camp  at  even  tide, 

And  slept,  as  I  before  have  told, 

While  darkness  o'er  the  landscape  rolPd. 

LIV. 

The  lark  sang  sweetly  in  the  sky, 
He  trill'd  his  wild  note  loud  and  high, 
Shook"  from  his  wing  the  morning  dew, 
Then  blithely  o'er  the  landscape  flew. 
The  eagle  plum'd  his  wing  of  gray, 


88  THE    CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED. 

And  from  his  eyrie  soar'd  away  ; 
Leaving  behind  the  slumb'ring  earth, 
He  watched  the  rosy  morning's  birth. 
A  high  point  in  the  heav'ns  he  won, 
Then  turned  his  bright  eye  on  the  sun, 
Drying  his  plumage  in  the  rays 
That  earliest  o'er  the  mountains  blaze, 
While  lesser  birds  with  humble  strain, 
Awake  the  echo's  wild  refrain. 
Each  warbler  pour'd  his  matin  hymn 
As  Night  roll'd  back  her  shadows  dim  ; 
And  music  from  the  wild  birds  drawn, 
Loaded  the  balmy  breath  of  mom. 

LV. 

The  morning  sun  his  radiance  shed, 
But  faintly  o'er  the  Hundred's  bed  ; 
And  feeble  were  the  rays,  and  few, 
So  thickly  there  the  brush-wood  grew. 
The  weary  warriors  might  have  slept 
Till  high  in  heaven  the  sun  had  swept 
His  glories  through  the  arching  skies, 
Ere  burning  ray  would  them  surprise, 
Or  sunlight,  with  a  hand  of  gold, 
Had  slumber  from  their  eye-lids  rolled  • 
But  now  is  heard  the  hurr'ing  tread 


THE    CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED.  89 

Of  sentry  round  each  warrior's  bed, 

Arousing  them  with  sudden  shake, 

The  Hundred  instantly  awake, 

Spring  to  their  feet  with  sudden  bound, 

Full  dress'd  and  arm'd  they  gaze  around  ; 

Yet  silent  all — no  sound  awoke 

The  stillness  till  their  leader  spoke. 

LVI. 

Then  REED,  with  slow  and  stately  pace, 
Advanced  to  where  an  open  space 
Amongst  the  under-brush  was  made, 
The  pathway  where  the  valley  laid. 
Then  turning,  pointed  with  his  hand 
Where  hill-side  met  the  bottom  land, 
And  said  :    "  My  heroes,  turn  your  eyes, 
And  see  where  Mosby's  banner  flies. 
Shout  not,  I  feel  your  wild  delight ; 
I  know  you'r  eager  for  the  fight." 
But  our  instructions  were,  to  view 
The  number  of  the  rebel  crew. 
Nor  in  engagement  hazard  aught 
Of  information  we  have  sought ; 
But  Mosby's  scouts  have  tracked  us  here 
As  blood-hound  tracks  the  forest  deer. 
They  must  have  watched  us  yesterday 


90  THE     CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED. 

As  wild-cat  tracks  the  traveler's  way — 
Hoping  when  sleep  had  sealed  our  eyes, 
Their  gang  might  take  us  by  surprise  ; 
But  when  we  up  the  mountain  toil'd 
And  pitch'd  our  tents,  their  game  was  foil'd. 

LYII. 

"  We  seem  entangled  in  a  net, 
The  fiends  anew  their  toils  have  set  • 
They  hold  us  in  our  camp  at  bay, 
Four  times  our  numbers  bar  the  way  ; 
Uneven  ground  lies  in  our  course, 
We  cannot  urge  on  them  our  horse  ; 
We  must  on  foot  our  sabers  wield, 
Using  our  horse-flesh  for  a  shield. 
The  brave  in  battle  often  fly, 
When  safe  retreats  behind  them  lie, 
Or  when  the  odds  are  'gainst  them  cast, 
Endurance  cannot  always  last. 
'Tis  often  wise  and  most  discreet, 
To  shun  the  foe  by  safe  retreat ; 
Saving  our  men  till  brighter  day 
Shall  dawn  on  some  more  equal  fray  : 
For  us,  my  men,  there's  no  retreat, 
We  must  four  times  our  numbers  meet. 
We  have  no  choice  ;  we'll  fight  and  die  ; 


THE     CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED.  91 

You  see  their  black  flag  waving  high 
Its  skull  and  cross-bones  in  the  air — 
We  may  expect  no  quarter  there. 
"We  ask  it  not  :  better  to  fall, 
Cover'd  by  Grlory's  bloody  pall — 
In  open  field  to  die  like  men, 
Than  be  here  slaughter'd  in  a  pen. 

LYIII. 

"  We  wait  not  here  for  their  .attack, 
We'll  hew  through  them  a  bloody  track  ; 
And  if  they  close  in  on  our  rear, 
The  move  shall  cost  the  villains  dear. 
We'll  form  ourselves  in  hollow  square, 
Showing  a  bold  front  everywhere  ; 
Then,  back  to  back,  we'll  stem  the  tide, 
Cutting  our  bloody  pathway  wide. 
Our  only  outlet  from  the  glen 
Lies  through  the  heart  of  Mosby's  men  ; 
The  Hundred  will  that  pathway  tread, 
Though  it  were  chok'd  by  half  their  dead. 
We'll  teach  them  where  the  Bear  flag  flies 
There's  no  surrender  nor  surprise — 
There  ev'ry  soldier  wins  or  dies. 
Bold  is  the  hunter's  heart  who  dare 
Attack  the  lion  in  his  lair  ; 


92  THE     CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED. 

The  spearman  sends  his  hound  before, 
Ere  risking  fight  with  forest  boar  ; 
The  stag  at  bay,  with  mad'ning  cry, 
Will  toss  the  dog  from  antler  high, 
Ere  he  give  up  the  chase  and  die  : 
But  woe  to  hardy  fool  who  dare 
Bisk  the  embrace  of  grizzly  bear  ; 
We'll  make  those  murd'rers  curse  the  day 
They  found  our  Hundred  men  at  bay." 

LIX. 

As  died  the  last  word  on  his  tongue, 
Sounding  a  charge,  the  bugles  rung ; 
Then  down  the  mountain's  rugged  side 
The  Hundred  pour'd,  a  living  tide. 
Their  long  swords  flashing  in  the  sun, 
Each  o'er  his  shoulder  slung  his  gun  ; 
While  small  arms,  like  a  fiery  zone, 
Around  each  belted  warrior  shone. 
"Eureka,  charge  !  "  their  leader  cries, 
With  answ'ring  shout  the  band  replies  : 
i '  Strike  for  the  land  where  sunshine  dwells 
Forever  in  her  flowery  dells  ; 
Strike  for  the  home  where  Beauty  sleeps, 
And  widowhood  her  vigil  keeps, 
Praying  the  live-long  weary  night 


THE     CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED.  93 

For  her  last  hope  that's  in  the  fight. 
Strike,  and  avenge  with  gory  hand 
The  vile  deeds  of  yon  murd'rous  band." 

LX. 

I  will  not  say  the  rosy  glow, 
The  youthful  hue,  and  steady  flow 
Of  blood  ran  through  the  Hundred  now, 
As  they  roll'd  down  the  mountain-brow  : 
The  firm-set  teeth  and  glaring  eye, 
The  veins  and  muscles  swelling  high, 
Spoke  not  of  fear  :  a  different  tale 
Was  read  within  the  shadow  pale, 
Which  swept  across  each  manly  cheek, 
Driving  away  the  crimson  streak. 
'Twas  long  delay'd,  and  deadly  hate, 
Whose  shadow  on  each  visage  sate, 
Showing  with  pale  and  steady  glow, 
The  burning  flood  that  roll'd  below. 
Red  is  the  beam  that  ever  plays 
Within  the  light  fantastic  blaze  ; 
And  rosy  is  our  household  fire, 
W^hich  soon  in  ashes  will  expire. 
But  fiercest  fire  that  ever  flow'd, 
Or  sparkl'd  when  the  furnace  glow'd, 
Is  molten  iron's  stream  of  light 


94  THE    CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED. 

Rais'd  to  a  heat  of  pearly  white. 
The  rising  blood  will  flash  and  play, 
And  soon  in  battle  die  away ; 
But  pale  rage,  with  its  withering  blast, 
Fights  ever  onward  to  the  last. 

LXI. 

As  lightnings  from  the  summer  heaven 
.Descend  from  clouds  by  thunder  riven, 
Urging  their  force  with  deadly  shock 
Against  the  bosom  of  a  rock — 
Thus  sweeping  from  the  mountain  hight, 
The  Hundred  dash'd  them  in  the  fight. 
The  rebel  host  receive  the  charge, 
Give  way,  and  make  an  opening  large, 
Through  which  the  gallant  Hundred  go, 
While  in  the  rear  close  up  the  foe. 
Then  Mosby  blew  a  bugle  sound, 
And  suddenly  upon  the  ground 
Appeared  a  troop  of  rebel  horse, 
Drawn  up  the  Hundred's  path  across. 
This  troop  had  lain  in  ambuscade, 
Where  abrupt  turn  the  pathway  made  ; 
Amongst  the  bush,  concealed  from  view, 
They  hid  till  Mosby's  signal  blew. 
Their  orders  were,  to  bar  the  way, 


THE     CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED.  95 

Holding  the  Hundred  there  at  bay, 
While  Mosby  held  his  forces  near, 
Leading  the  onslaught  on  their  rear. 
Hemm'd  in,  beset  on  every  side, 
Fiercely  around  the  rebels  ride. 
Charge  and  recoil,  and  charge  again, 
They  urge  their  wild  horse  all  in  vain  ; 
Against  the  Hundred's  wall  of  steel 
The  solid  column  will  not  reel, 
Nor  shiver  in  the  deadly  shock, 
They  roll'd  the  dead  waves  as  the  rock 
Rolls  back  the  billow  in  its  pride, 
When  dash'd  against  its  granite  side. 

L  XII. 

Still  on,  with  slow  and  steady  tread, 
The  Hundred  moved.     Their  horses  led 
Within  the  square  ;  well  train'd  were  they, 
To  rider's  slightest  word  obey. 
Wild  was  the  rage  of  Mosby's  crew, 
At  each  repulse  again  they  threw 
Their  charging  squadrons  on  the  foe, 
And  ever  down  their  front  ranks  go  ; 
Their  frightened  horses  ever  wheel, 
And  turn  them  from  th7  opposing  steel  ; 
While  slow,  but  surely,  through  th*  fray 


96  THE     CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED. 

The  Hundred  plough'd  its  bloody  way, 

Until,  emerging  from  the  wood, 

Upon  the  open  plain  they  stood. 

The  high  road  here  before  them  lay, 

But  still  the  rebels  barr'd  the  way. 

The  Hundred  halted  here  awhile, 

Arranged  their  ranks,  in  open  file  ; 

Each  soldier's  hand  was  on  his  steed, 

Waiting  the  charge  from  SEWELL  REED, 

Who,  turning,  wav'd  his  bloody  brand  ; 

His  heroes  marked  his  last  command — 

"  Mount !  cleave  the  rebel  ranks  in  twain ! 

Then  urge  your  horses  o'er  the  plain  ; 

Our  forces  line  the  other  side — 

Those  woods,  you  see,  their  columns  hide." 

As  died  the  last. word  on  his  tongue, 

His  knell  a  rebel  rifle  rung  ; 

His  manly  form  rolled  on  the  plain, 

The  ball  went  crushing  through  his  brain. 

LXIII. 

A  momentary  panic  fell 

Over  the  Hundred,  like  a  spell. 

The  wily  Mosby  saw  the  deed, 

He  marked  the  fall  of  SEWELL  REED. 

And  argfled  now,  their  leader  lost, 


THE    CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED.  97 

The  weary  band,  by  panic  tost, 

"Would  fall  to  him  an  easy  prey, 

He  shouted  to  renew  the  fray. 

The  rallying  shout  that  Mosby  gave 

Sent  many  a  rebel  to  his  grave  ; 

It  woke  the  Hundred  from  their  trance, 

The  panic  fled  like  lightning  glance. 

They  bound  the  corse  of  SEWELL  REED 

Firmly  upon  his  sable  steed  ; 

And,  carrying  out  his  last  command, 

They  charg'd  right  through  the  rebel  band. 

Then  desp'rate  roll'd  the  tide  of  war, 

Death  fiercely  gorged  his  bloody  maw  ; 

Their  banner  sunk  and  rose. 
At  times  the  black  flag  waved  on  high, 
When  'rose  the  wild  guerrilla  cry — 

1 '  No  quarter  to  our  foes." 
Then  California  Bear  Flag  shone, 
Encircled  by  a  bloody  zone, 
While  on  the  air  the  Hundred's  tone 

A  bold  defiance  flung. 
Such  desp'rate  warefare  could  not  last, 
The  rebel  ranks  are  thinning  fast — 
Sounding  retreat,  a  single  blast 

On  Mosby's  bugle  rung. 
Fierce  had  the  battle  been  all  day, 


98  THE    CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED. 

And  scores  of  dead  men  chok'd  the  way  ; 
But  furious  was  the  deadly  fray 

Around  where  SEWELL  fell. 
For  fiercely  on  that  bloody  morn, 
Mosby,  a  fearful  oath  had  sworn, 
That  REED  should  in  his  ranks  be  borne, 

To  grace  his  triumph  well. 
But  vain  and  empty  was  the  boast ! 
In  reckoning,  he  left  out  his  host ; 
He  in  the  fight  had  suffer 'd  most — 

One-half  his  men  were  slain. 
And  glad  was  he  to  sound  retreat, 
And  burning  furious  with  defeat, 
The  rebels  turn  their  flying  feet, 

And  gallop  ?d  off  the  plain. 
They  left  their  wounded  men  and  fled, 
And  where  our  heroes  fought  and  bled, 
Around  them  piles  of  rebel  dead 

Were  fest'ring  in  the  sun. 
'Gainst  fearful  odds  throughout  the  day, 
Doubtful  and  deadly  was  the  fray  ; 
But  now  the  blaze  of  glory's  ray 

Shines  o'er  the  field  they  won. 


THE    CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED.  99 


L  X  I  V. 

With  swelling  heart  and  mournful  tread, 
The  shatter  d  band  bear  off  their  dead  ; 
Solemn  the  cortege  moved,  and  slow, 
While  music  roll'd  its  notes  of  woe. 
They  onward  held  their  lonely  way 
To  where  the  Union  pickets  lay  ; 
Then  laid  their  burdens  down  to  rest, 
Forever,  on  the  green  hill's  breast : 
The  fallen  heroes'  beds  were  made 
Beneath  a  giant  pine-tree's  shade. 
Their  comrades  fire  a  farewell  shot, 
They  raise  no  cross  to  mark  the  spot ; 
But  high  upon  the  pine-tree's  trunk, 
And  deep  within  its  wood,  they  sunk 
The  word  "Eureka,"  with  the  number 
Of  those  who  underneath  now  slumber. 
They  carved  upon  the  pine-tree's  side 
The  when  and  where  those  heroes  died  ; 
They  placed  above  the  lonely  grave 
The  last  sad  tribute  to  the  brave  : 
Which  saddest  thought  to  mem'ry  brings 
A  ruin'd  harp  with  broken  strings. 
All  slept  within  one  common  grave — 
All  save  their  leader, — him  they  gave 


100         THE    CALIFORNIA    HUNDRED. 

To  trusty  messenger,  to  bear 
His  dear  remains  far  Northward,  where 
His  lone  dove  surig  her  mournful  lay, 
Watching  the  weary  hours  away. 

L  x  v. 

Farewell,  the    last   chord   of  my   harp    is 

broken  ; 

Adieu  the  Hundred — here  or  in  the  skies  ! 
My  heart  is  full  of  sorrow,  all  unspoken, 
And  memory's  misty  vapors    cloud   my 
eyes. 

Farewell,  brave  hearts !  mine  humble  song 

is  ended  : 

"Tis  very  sad  to  say  a  long  goodby  ; 
My    feeble    strain    but   half   your    virtues 

blended 

With   glorious   deeds,    whose   fame    can 
never  die. 

Some  stronger  lyre  than  mine  will  tell  the 

story, 
In   glowing   song   recount   each   gallant 

deed  ; 

And  coming  time  will  shed  a  golden  glory 
Around  the  mem'ry  of  SEWELL  REED. 

6969      9  i 


UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA,  LOS  ANGELES 
THE  UNIVERSITY  I IBR  >  ^v 
.in,,  D'Tcn   h  :  • 


DEC 

NON-RElEWASLE 


RECEIVED 


PS 

2729 

R63c 


